Best wishes for 2026 from the PaperFIRST Team
A happy and successful year 2026 to our industry colleagues around the world!
UPM unlocks new bio-based markets as Leuna biorefinery produces its first commercial product
UPM, a global leader in sustainable material solutions, has achieved an important milestone in the startup of production of commercial, wood-based chemicals in its Leuna biorefinery in Germany. The refinery, which is the largest industrial-scale investment in biochemicals in Europe, has started the production and commercialization of industrial sugars.
The Saica Group expands its recovery network in Spain with the acquisition of part of FCC Ámbito's business
The Saica Group has acquired the paper and corrugated board recovery business of FCC Ámbito, a subsidiary of FCC enviro, enabling the company to expand its recovery network in Spain with the addition of the territories of Madrid and the north and west of the peninsula. The transaction was carried out by Saica Natur, the group's waste management and environmental services division. The main activity of the acquired business consists primarily of the recovery of paper and cardboard and other non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste.
Valmet to acquire Severn Group to strengthen Process Performance Solutions segment
Valmet has entered into an agreement to acquire Severn Group, a well-established industrial valve company, from Bluewater, a UK-based private equity firm. The acquisition covers all three Severn divisions: Severn Glocon, ValvTechnologies, and LB Bentley. Severn serves process industries globally and has over a 60-year track record of delivering specialized flow control solutions across the most demanding applications. Severn’s strong technologies, installed base and customer relationships with a diverse set of the world’s largest blue-chip industrial companies support Valmet’s growth strategy beyond its traditional core biomaterials business.
Lecta presents Metalvac Ice Cream, its innovative solution for the ice cream sector
A new recyclable solution with barrier properties, suitable for flexible packaging of frozen food products such as ice cream cones.
Tetra Pak launches world-first paper-based barrier for juice packaging with García Carrión and advances new packaging material development
Tetra Pak, in collaboration with García Carrión, today unveiled the first-ever use of its paper-based barrier technology for juice packaging. This innovation in sustainable food packaging solutions marks a significant step towards reducing reliance on fossil-based materials, with the new packaging material now being rolled out across multiple markets.
Hinojosa keeps the EcoVadis Gold medal for the fourth consecutive year, achieving 80 points in the 2025 assessment
For the fourth consecutive year, Hinojosa Packaging Group kept the Gold medal in the EcoVadis platform, an international benchmark in the evaluation of environmental, social, ethical and sustainable purchasing practices. In the 2025 edition, the company achieved a score of 80 out of 100, which means the company is placed in 97th percentile of the world’s top-rated companies.
LATAMPAPER Buenos Aires - A must attend event in 2026
Latampaper Argentina 2026 will take place on May 13–14, 2026, in Buenos Aires. This event is recognized as the most important technical meetings for the paper, board, and tissue industries in Latin America. It brings together production managers, technical directors, mill superintendents, and decision-makers from paper mills across the region.
Emtec Electronic celebrates 30 Years of Innovation, Precision and Global Partnerships
emtec Electronic GmbH, a leader in innovative measurement solutions for the paper, nonwovens and textile industries, proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Since its founding on December 19, 1995, with just four dedicated employees, the company has grown into a globally recognised specialist headquartered in Leipzig, supported by a network of more than 30 international representatives.
the Fastmarkets Forest Products Europe Conference 2026
The biggest names in European pulp, paper and packaging are joining the stage at the Fastmarkets Forest Products Europe Conference 2026, taking place March 9 to 11 in Barcelona.
Maria Mroué appointed Metsä Group's Vice President, Communications and Brand
Maria Mroué has been appointed Metsä Group's VP, Communications and Brand. She will start in her role on 1 March 2026, reporting to Tomi Salo, EVP, Stakeholder Engagement.
PaperWeek 2026: A virtual hub for innovation in pulp, paper, and forest products
PaperWeek is PAPTAC’s flagship conference serving the pulp & paper and forest products industry.
AFRY awarded detailed engineering assignment for Kemira’s reactivation plant in Sweden
AFRY will carry out detailed design for Kemira’s new activated carbon plant in Helsingborg, Sweden. The project aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable water treatment solutions.
Elof Hansson appoints Lennart Eberleh as new CEO
The Board of Elof Hansson Holding has appointed Lennart Eberleh as the new CEO of the international trading house Elof Hansson. Lennart Eberleh is currently the CEO of Rottneros and has many years of experience in the forest and paper industry.
UPM discontinues graphic paper production in Ettringen – participation process with employee representatives concluded
In spring 2025, UPM announced plans to permanently close its paper mill in Ettringen, Germany. The respective employee consultation process has been completed now. The closing impacts 189 employees.
The finest details and delicate essence of flowers in Lecta's 2026 calendar
Striking images that reveal details invisible to the naked eye.
Voith wins German Sustainability Award for closed recycling loop of Infinity press felts
Voith has won the German Sustainability Award for its Infinity +Green press felt and the recycling concept behind it. The 18th annual award ceremony took place on December 5, 2025, in Düsseldorf. Voith was among the winners in the “Resources” category and impressed the 240 jury members from science, business and civil society with its innovative press felt for paper production. The full recyclability of the product in a closed cycle, which is a first, contributes to improving the sustainability of industrial paper production.
Rottneros President and CEO Lennart Eberleh has resigned
Lennart Eberleh, President and CEO of Rottneros, has resigned to take up another position outside Rottneros, and will leave his position during the first half of 2026. A process to recruit a successor is now underway.
ANDRITZ starts up sludge drying plant at Eldorado Brasil Celulose
ANDRITZ, which supplied the technology and developed the new biological sludge drying plant for Eldorado Brasil Celulose’s pulp mill in Três Lagoas, Brazil, celebrated the plant’s successful start of operations. This project represents another step forward in Eldorado’s strategies to transform waste into energy and enhance the environmental efficiency of its operations.
GardaMatt Ice: Lecta's new coated paper for premium publishing
New ultra-white, cool tone coated paper engineered for standout editorial and commercial print projects.
VKG Fiber Advances Key Phase in €1.3B Pulp Mill Development; Launches Strategic Partner Search with AFRY Capital
VKG Fiber has made significant progress towards establishing a state-of-the-art 500,000-tonnes-per-annum pulp mill in Estonia. Having secured the necessary land plot and long-term raw material supply, the company has initiated the search for strategic partners supported by AFRY Capital, a leading adviser in the global pulp industry sector.
Valmet strengthens its financial position with EUR 375 million long-term Schuldschein loan
Valmet has successfully completed its first Schuldschein loan transaction, amounting to EUR 375 million. This landmark issuance strengthens Valmet’s long-term debt structure and represents an important step in diversifying its funding sources and broadening its debt investor base.
Revolutionizing packaging: Moulded Fibre Packaging Europe Conference 2026
The packaging industry’s leading professionals are gearing up for Europe’s leading Moulded Fibre Europe Conference, taking place on 27 May 2026 in Amsterdam. Hosted by Smithers, this event promises to showcase the latest innovations, technologies, and market trends in sustainable moulded fibre packaging.
VPK Group increases its stake in Ribble Packaging Ltd (UK) to 50%, strengthening its position in fanfold
VPK Group entered into an agreement with the shareholders of Ribble Packaging Ltd, a UK corrugated cardboard company, to increase its equity stake from 30% to 50%, creating a position of joint control. This step follows the minority share acquisition in 2023 and is part of VPK Group’s long-term strategy to strengthen its position in the fanfold market and expand its geographic reach.