Automation is becoming the operating system of modern industry

Automation is becoming the operating system of modern industry

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.

European paper sacks reduce carbon footprint by 9% between 2021 and 2024

European paper sacks reduce carbon footprint by 9% between 2021 and 2024

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.

Koehler Paper: Opening Event Kicks Off Large-Scale Communication Campaign Focusing on Recyclable Packaging Paper

Koehler Paper: Opening Event Kicks Off Large-Scale Communication Campaign Focusing on Recyclable Packaging Paper

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.

Metsä Board brings its Lead the Pack strategy into practice at Interpack 2026

Metsä Board brings its Lead the Pack strategy into practice at Interpack 2026

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.

New AI Assistant Enhances Access to Verified Technical Knowledge Across the Forest-Based Bioeconomy Value Chain

New AI Assistant Enhances Access to Verified Technical Knowledge Across the Forest-Based Bioeconomy Value Chain

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 a new generation web stabilizer

Runtech Systems launches a new generation web stabilizer

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 2026: The Nordic Pulp & Paper industry gathers in Helsinki

Pulp & Beyond 2026: The Nordic Pulp & Paper industry gathers in Helsinki

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.

Mondi Neusiedler reaches one year of Zero Waste to Landfill operations

Mondi Neusiedler reaches one year of Zero Waste to Landfill operations

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.

Copacel highlights the seriousness of the situation in the French paper industry

Copacel highlights the seriousness of the situation in the French paper industry

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 showcases semi-chemical fluting portfolio for demanding food and heavy-duty supply chains

Mondi showcases semi-chemical fluting portfolio for demanding food and heavy-duty supply chains

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.

Henkel expands its barrier and heat seal coatings portfolio for paper applications

Henkel expands its barrier and heat seal coatings portfolio for paper applications

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.

DS Smith supports the launch of Lalique Beauty’s "Tales of Light" home fragrance collection with a fiber-based packaging solution

DS Smith supports the launch of Lalique Beauty’s "Tales of Light" home fragrance collection with a fiber-based packaging solution

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.

Valmet strengthens its flow control presence in Australia by inaugurating a new service center and manufacturing unit in Sydney

Valmet strengthens its flow control presence in Australia by inaugurating a new service center and manufacturing unit in Sydney

Valmet is strengthening its flow control capabilities in Australia with the inauguration of a new service center and a manufacturing unit in Sydney. The new facility enhances the availability of mission-critical flow control solutions and services for customers in process industries across the region, with a particular focus on Australia’s pulp, paper, mining and metals, refining, chemicals, and renewable energy sectors.

The emtec Electronic Team showcases its smart measurement technologies at TappiCon 2026

The emtec Electronic Team showcases its smart measurement technologies at TappiCon 2026

Together with its partner company, emtec Electronic North Amercia, the German company emtec Electronic GmbH will present its technical innovations for process optimization to all interested visitors at TappiCon 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. In addition, emtec will participate in the panel discussion “Tissue Softness Workshop” on the final day of the event.