The BIR Paper Division will organize a high-impact Special Side Session next Monday, 1 June (14.00 – 17.30) during the BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Gothenburg. Under the presidency of Francisco Donoso, DOLAF Servicios Verdes S.L. (ESP), this 3.5-hour spotlight will move beyond simple updates to tackle the critical challenges impacting global trade today.
Tightening packaging regulations across the globe are forcing companies to rethink sustainability claims, material choices, and cost structures. As fragmented rules give way to stricter, harmonized frameworks, the shift signals rising regulatory scrutiny and operational complexity, with far-reaching implications on supply chains, innovation, and competitive positioning across consumer markets, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.
German specialty paper manufacturer Felix Schoeller has partnered with Hamburg-based AI packaging company one.five in a strategic push to expand its presence in sustainable paper-based packaging.
On April 17, Fibre (FE) issued the following press release: “Following the latest discussions between the shareholder and the State, no solution has been found to prevent the group from being placed under the protection of the Commercial Court. Following the filing of the declaration of cessation of payments on April 15, the court will hear from management and employee representatives on April 21, before issuing its ruling on April 27 regarding the continuation of operations. To date, industrial activity continues. Management thanks the Occitanie and Sud Regions, as well as the State, for their sustained involvement in the effort to avoid insolvency proceedings.”
Automation is no longer a nice-to-have but optional efficiency tool. It is now a strategic necessity that belongs on the board agenda, to be discussed alongside AI. In a world of geopolitical uncertainties, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, cost pressures, energy insecurity and high expectations for uptime, companies that deploy automation will be far better placed to remain resilient, competitive and – ultimately – relevant.
International Paper, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has entered into an agreement to acquire North Pacific Paper Company, a portfolio company of One Rock Capital Partners, for $360MM.
Advanced metallization technology and intelligent process control for high-performance barrier papers for packaging applications
European paper sacks have become significantly more climate-efficient: their carbon footprint per sack decreased by 9% between 2021 and 2024. This is the outcome of a recent study conducted by RISE on behalf of the European Paper Sack Research Group (ESG), a collaboration between EUROSAC and CEPI Eurokraft. Over the same period, the fossil carbon footprint per tonne of sack kraft paper was reduced by 5%. Increased use of renewable energy in sack kraft paper and paper sack production was a key driver behind these improvements. The results underline the industry’s ongoing commitment to decarbonisation.
Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is expanding its paper bags business in Southeast Asia through a joint venture with PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk (“Indocement”), one of the largest cement producers in Indonesia.
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) could not be any clearer: With its ambitious recycling targets, it is intended to significantly reduce packaging waste, and accordingly serves as a call to action for packaging companies. It is against this backdrop that recyclable packaging materials such as paper will be playing a key role: This is why Koehler Paper will be running a broadly targeted campaign to raise awareness of this sustainable packaging material and its availability as a packaging option for the food industry. This large-scale awareness campaign is scheduled to start on April 15th, when the Koehler Group company will be holding a kick-off event to get things started. The focus will be on the versatility and recyclability of paper on the occasion of the first reading of the German Verpackungsdurchführungsgesetz (Packaging Law Implementation Act) at the Bundestag on April 16th – right in the middle of Berlin’s political center.
At Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf (7–13 May), Metsä Board, a leading European producer of fresh fibre paperboards and part of Metsä Group, will showcase how its Lead the Pack strategy supports customers in developing competitive and future‑ready brand packaging with a focus on food and foodservice, healthcare and retail end uses. Metsä Board will welcome visitors at its stand in Hall 8a / Stand D49.
At this year’s edition, Sappi will be highlighting its latest innovations in sustainable tea envelope packaging, showing how fibre-based solutions are transforming a critical element of the tea product experience.
Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper solutions, has delivered a 10% reduction in logistics and production costs for Argesim Teknoloji, a leading Turkish technology company, by developing a customised corrugated packaging solution for its sensor-based products.
Crespel & Deiters is on course for further growth following a change in management at executive level. This has resulted in the group's leadership reorganising business divisions to highlight the company's evolution from wheat specialist to refinement expert for plant-based raw materials – all of which is underscored by a new strapline, logo and website.
The pulp, paper, board and bio‑based industries are undergoing rapid digital transformation, driven by increasing process complexity, growing sustainability requirements, and globally distributed operations. To support this development, the ForestBioFacts digital learning environment has launched a new AI Assistant designed to strengthen human–technology collaboration, where digital tools support rather than replace human expertise.
Runtech Systems launches new RunPro Easy4 Web Stabilizers, marking a new era of dryer section runnability. By combining efficient stabilization, adjustable vacuum control, and simplified maintenance, RunPro Easy4 strengthens sheet stability across the dryer section and supports mills in achieving higher productivity with lower energy use. Easy4’s maintenance‑friendly design eliminates annual outage requirements, and delivers significant long‑term cost savings by completely eliminating consumable‑related expenses.
Pulp & Beyond, the leading forum bringing together the latest forest-based bioeconomy innovations, products, services and technologies, is currently taking place at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The international event runs from 14 to 17 April 2026, comprising a high-level conference on 14 April, a professional exhibition on 15–16 April, and industry excursions on 17 April.
Tasowheel is looking for a local agent in Sweden to represent our QCS solutions for the paper, pulp and converting industries.
Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has reached one year of Zero Waste to Landfill operations at its Neusiedler mill in Austria. The mill has now operated for 12 consecutive months without sending any manufacturing waste to landfill, reinforcing its commitment to circular manufacturing.
Valmet has received an order from ITC Limited to supply a new wood chipping line to its pulp mill in Bhadrachalam, India. The delivery is part of ITC’s ongoing improvement initiatives at the Bhadrachalam mill to increase chipping capacity with high quality chips. The new line is designed for low wood losses, superior and even chip quality as well as high availability and easy maintenance.
A genuine warning in the face of a situation that has become, in its view, increasingly worrying. On April 9, during its traditional annual press conference, held remotely this year, Copacel sounded even more alarmist than in previous years. The trade association, which represents French producers of pulp, paper, and board (74 companies, employing nearly 10,000 people), highlighted "the increasing number of paper mill closures over the past 24 months, as well as the precarious situation of several sites at the start of 2026." These indicators, according to the association, highlight "the urgent need to implement an ambitious policy to promote reindustrialization."
Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, ensures consistent packaging performance across long journeys and fluctuating climate conditions, where material choice is especially critical for products to arrive intact. Its semi-chemical portfolio includes ProVantage Powerflute®, made from 100% fresh fibre and developed for applications requiring maximum strength and resistance to variable climates; ProVantage Frescoflute, offering excellent dimensional stability and compression strength during processing and storage; and ProVantage Aquaflute, optimised for environments where short-term moisture and water resistance are essential.
Paper-based packaging has become much more than just a matter of image, particularly in the food and e-commerce sectors. Brand owners and packaging manufacturers are switching to sustainable and, above all, recyclable solutions, driven by regulatory requirements such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). To support this transition while maintaining product integrity, process stability and efficiency, Henkel Adhesive Technologies is enhancing its paper coatings portfolio with water-based barrier and heat seal coatings. The solutions are designed to improve the functionality of paper-based packaging and strengthen ‘design for recycling’ approaches.
Lalique Beauty, a member of the Lalique Group rooted in the House’s iconic heritage, has called upon the expertise of DS Smith—an International Paper company and a global provider of sustainable cellulose fiber-based packaging—to support the launch of its new home fragrance collection, Tales of Light. DS Smith designed and manufactured the folding boxes and inserts for the entire collection, which includes six scented candles and three diffusers.
