PaperFIRST

Valmet to deliver a new BCTMP line to ITC Bhadrachalam mill in India to increase high quality pulp production

Valmet will deliver a complete bleached chemi-thermo mechanical pulping (BCTMP) line and BCTMP Evaporation for ITC Bhadrachalam mill in India. The new line utilizes Valmet’s unique high-temperature technology (HT-CTMP), which operates at elevated temperatures to create exceptionally intact fibers, improving pulp quality while simultaneously reducing energy consumption in refining. The production process will be supplied with Valmet Automation and Flow Control solutions.

BIR launches Future Recyclists initiative to attract next generation of graduate talent to the industry

Brand new online platform will connect international graduates and young professionals with careers across the global recycling industry, showcasing its role in the circular economy and why a career in recycling is a “career for the future”

Two Sides - 400,000 trees cut down… for data centers.

For years, we were told to give up paper to save the trees. Electronic invoices, paperless statements, digital communication: the forest was finally going to breathe thanks to our screens.

SPAPER 2027 reorganises its hall as exhibitors ask for more space

With four months to go, the Spanish exhibition SPAPER 2027 has already matched the figures of its previous edition, with more than 150 brands represented and over 4,200 m² of exhibition space.

Södra : Measures taken deliver significant earnings improvement

Södra posted an operating profit for the third quarter of 2026. While the market remains challenging, earnings are steadily moving in the right direction. Earnings improved compared with the year-earlier period and were positively impacted by the divestment of the holding in Sunpine.

Valmet’s key technology delivery supports efficient and flexible pulp production at the new Century Sunshine Rizhao mill in China

Valmet is delivering key technology for Century Sunshine’s new Rizhao pulp mill that is being built in Shandong province in China. Valmet’s delivery includes cooking and fiberlines, an evaporation plant, a recovery boiler with optimizers, ash treatment and a white liquor plant.

UPM, Ingredion and Paramelt explore the potential of starch-based barriers in recyclable paper packaging

UPM, Ingredion, a global ingredient solutions company, and Paramelt, a global producer of functional coatings have joined forces to investigate how plant-based starch barrier technologies can support the development of recyclable paper-based food packaging. Starch-based technologies offer new opportunities for paper packaging innovation, especially for grease barriers.

UPM, Uteco and Siegwerk introduce a paper-based solution for secondary packaging

UPM Specialty Materials, Siegwerk and Uteco have developed a paper-based solution for secondary packaging. UPM provides the barrier base paper, Siegwerk the coating and Uteco the technology that applies it. Designed as a practical entry point into paper packaging, the solution allows brand owners to increase renewable material content and test paper-based formats in demanding applications, while the primary packaging continues to safeguard product integrity.

Södra strengthens its commercial presence in the United States

Södra is expanding its presence in North America as part of a proactive growth strategy for pulp and sawn timber. The investment includes a new sales office near Boston, Massachusetts, and a logistics partnership, strengthening Södra’s local presence, market responsiveness and platform for long-term growth and competitiveness.

SPAPER 2027 joins SMAGUA, as halls fill and space grows in Zaragoza

The fifth edition of SPAPER, the International Exhibition of Machinery and Equipment for Pulp, Paper and Board, will take place from 16 to 18 February 2027 at Feria de Zaragoza, alongside the 28th edition of SMAGUA, the International Water, Irrigation and Environment Exhibition. Both events will coincide with the first edition of CITY.360, the Fair for Mayors and Public Administrations (17 and 18 February).

SKF accelerates hybrid bearing leadership with new Ceramic Process Laboratory

SKF has announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art Ceramic Process Laboratory (C-Pro Lab) at its R&D Centre in Houten, The Netherlands. This capability strengthens SKF’s technology leadership across the complete ceramic manufacturing value chain, from raw material powder processing to high-performance component engineering, boosting the global adoption of advanced hybrid bearing technology.

International Paper : besides the spin off of its EMEA Packaging Business, the company is also considering “a possible sale”

In a press release/statement issued on October 15, International Paper (IP) notes « the recent movement in the share price of the Company and the press speculation regarding a sale of On January 29, 2026, the Company announced that its EMEA Packaging Business was expected to be separated by way of a spin off. On October 14, the Company confirmed that the spin off was expected to be effected through a listing of the business on the London Stock Exchange with a Level II ADR program to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company confirms that it is also evaluating unsolicited inbound inquiries in relation to its EMEA Packaging Business, and is in discussion with potential bidders. This process is at an early stage and there can be no certainty that any sale of the EMEA Packaging Business will be agreed or completed. The Company is progressing the spin off and evaluating the potential sale in parallel. No assurance can be provided at this stage regarding the ultimate timing…

From wood to chemicals: UPM inaugurates pioneering biorefinery in Germany

UPM today inaugurated its biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, marking the start of a new industrial platform for renewable chemicals made from wood. The biorefinery converts lignocellulosic biomass, primarily wood from sustainably managed forests and sawmill residues, into biochemicals. With an annual capacity of 220,000 tonnes, it is the largest facility of its kind in the world. The ramp-up has progressed further. Enzymatic hydrolysis and the production of lignin-derived specialty chemicals have reached stable operation, and UPM is ramping up sales of these products.

Norske Skog : Positive investment decision at Saugbrugs

Norske Skog has made a positive investment decision to rebuild paper machine 6 (PM6) at Norske Skog Saugbrugs in Halden. The investment of up to approximately NOK 850 million will enable flexible production of TMP-based kraftliner and SC magazine paper and represents a significant long-term commitment to continued industrial activity at Saugbrugs.

Crespel & Deiters offers high-performance adhesives that are not subject to new EU regulatory requirements

All Definol® high-performance adhesives supplied by Crespel & Deiters for the EU market are free from borax and so can continue to be used under new regulations, with no additional labels or documentation required. The borax-free Definol®

New global research: Printed magazine advertising leaves people feeling happier than any other advertising medium

A new global report from global media association FIPP and UPM Communication Papers shows that printed magazine advertising outperforms social media and influencer advertising in trust, relevance and happiness. The underlying study is the most extensive research into print advertising conducted in over five years.

Billerud expands its offering for pharmaceutical packaging with PharmaKraft™

Demand for more sustainable packaging solutions is growing across the pharmaceutical industry. With PharmaKraft™, Billerud is strengthening its offering for pharmaceutical applications, making it easier for converters and brand owners to evaluate fiber-based alternatives for dry pharmaceutical packaging.

Holmen Workington increases sustainable power generation with HISS

Holmen Paper Mill in Workington, UK, identified an opportunity to cost-effectively improve the efficiency, lifetime and availability of its biomass-fired 150 MW BFB boiler.

BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition, FYCMA, Málaga, (25) 26–27 October 2026

The global recycling industry gathers in Málaga to shape the future of the sector

Antalis signs a binding agreement to acquire Papyrus paper distribution activities in Eastern Europe, Switzerland and Germany

Antalis, a global leader in the distribution of Papers, Packaging and Visual Communication, part of KPP Group, has signed a binding agreement to acquire the distribution activities of Papyrus in Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Germany.

Measurable quality for the Japanese paper industry – emtec Electronic exhibits at Japan TAPPI Meeting 2026

From October 27 to 29, the Japanese pulp and paper industry will gather for the 69th Japan TAPPI Annual Meeting at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba. Among the exhibitors will be emtec Electronic GmbH with Sales representative Mr. Daniel Ohndorf joining the company’s local sales partner Ms. Kazumi Tanikawa from Sanyo Technos Co., Ltd. to present measurement solutions that help manufacturers better understand their processes and optimize paper quality.

Epyr raises €15M in Series A to accelerate thermal energy storage and electrify industrial heat in Europe

Epyr, a specialist in the electrification of industrial heat through thermal energy storage, today announced a €15 million oversubscribed Series A funding round led by SlateVC. Historical investors AENU and Daphni are strengthening their support, alongside WEPA Ventures, OVNI Capital, and Aurum Impact.

Södra makes changes to Group Senior Management

Södra is making changes to Group Senior Management to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow and take the value chain to the next level of competitiveness. The changes, which take effect on 13 October, will strengthen the development of the business areas and Södra’s ability to create long-term value for members.

Discussing the future of the pulp and paper industry: emtec at the annual Symposium der Papieringenieure 2026

To drive transformation in an industry, young talent needs to be supported and uplifted. This year’s Symposium of Paper Engineers in Bremerhaven, Germany sets out to do just that by putting the focus on up-and-coming scientists with the lecture series “KLARTEXT.