PaperFIRST

ABB introduces Automation Extended: enabling industrial innovation with continuity

ABB has introduced its Automation Extended program, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems (DCS), designed to help industries modernize without disruption. Building on ABB’s long-standing leadership with the world’s largest DCS installed base and vision in process automation, Automation Extended outlines how future automation capabilities can be introduced progressively – preserving system integrity while enabling the flexibility, scalability and efficiency needed for the next era of industrial operations.

The Navigator Company announces a 30 USD/t Price increase on UWF Papers in Overseas Markets

The Navigator Company will be implementing a 30 USD/t price increase in Uncoated Woodfree (UWF) Papers in Overseas markets. The new pricing is effective immediately.

400: The Collector’s Issue of "La Papeterie Mag’" has just been released!

A 20-page Retrospective on the 2010–2020 decade: major events, mill and supplier news, market and technology trends, highlights on Copacel and ATIP leadership, a look back at the ATIP "Palmes d’Or" awards, and more.

Buckman announces price increases across all product ines in Europe, Middle East and North Africa

Buckman, the specialty chemical company, announces a 5- 12% price increase for impacted product lines, effective February 1st, 2026, or as contracts allow. This price adjustment is necessary to overcome pressure from inflation, transportation, labor costs, increased regulations, associated regulatory costs and key material costs.

Best wishes for 2026 from the PaperFIRST Team

A happy and successful year 2026 to our industry colleagues around the world!

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.

Next-generation Valmet IQ Web Monitoring System sets a new benchmark for process visibility, quality and efficiency

Valmet introduces the renewed Valmet IQ Web Monitoring System (WMS), designed to elevate quality and efficiency in pulp, paper, tissue, as well as paper and board converting industries. The new WMS delivers exceptional image quality through the most compact design and industry-leading illumination technology.

How intelligent production systems improve operational control and transparency

Paper mills face mounting pressure to boost transparency and responsiveness while managing complex production environments with limited staff. Voith's MillOne system addresses these challenges by creating a networked digital hub that enhances operational control and real-time visibility.

WBCSD Forest Solutions Group Launches Report: “Build Trust, Share Value in Forests: Principles for Community Engagement and Development”

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Forest Solutions Group (FSG) proudly announces the launch of its latest report, “Build Trust, Share Value in Forests: Principles for Community Engagement and Development.” This landmark publication provides actionable guidance for forest sector companies and other land-use businesses to strengthen relationships with local communities and create shared value.

Paperex 2025: 17th edition to unite global leaders from the pulp, paper and packaging ecosystem in India

Informa Markets in India, the country's leading organiser of B2B exhibitions, today announced the 17th edition of Paperex, the world's largest exhibition and conference dedicated to the pulp, paper, packaging, and allied industries. Scheduled from 3–6 December 2025 at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi, the four-day event will bring together global paper and packaging leaders in a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and business transformation.

Advancing tissue excellence: Papeterie Le Bourray's 20-year journey with ISRA VISION

For the past twenty years, Papeterie Le Bourray, a distinguished paper mill in France's Sarthe region, has been at the forefront of the tissue paper industry, partnering with ISRA VISION to enhance product quality and operational efficiency. Specializing in colored tissue papers and innovative cellulose tissue, Le Bourray's integration of ISRA VISION's advanced Web Inspection System (WIS) in 2006 marked a significant leap in its manufacturing capabilities.

Bellmer successfully closes the acquisition of Cellwood Machinery AB

Bellmer announced earlier this week the successful closing of its acquisition of Cellwood Machinery AB, a globally recognized Swedish manufacturer of systems for wastepaper recycling and bioenergy pre-treatment.

Sonoco Consolidating Consumer Packaging Businesses Under Two Geographies

Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, today announced it is consolidating its Metal Packaging and Rigid Paper Containers businesses under one structure based on two geographies – Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC and the Americas.

Dry pulp: Period of volatility following china's new import rules

China's decision to implement new requirements on imported 'dry pulp' is creating significant challenges for processors in Thailand, the BIR World Recycling Convention in Bangkok heard this week.

2025 Ecolab Watermark™ Study Reveals Hidden Impact of Artificial Intelligence

Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water solutions and services, today announced findings from its third annual Ecolab Watermark™ Study, which reports on water stewardship around the world. This year’s research highlights water’s connection to timely global trends, including new business opportunities from the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and consumer concern about its impact on vital natural resources.

Voith celebrates over 40 years of NipcoFlex technology

Full-line supplier Voith celebrated the 40th anniversary of its revolutionary NipcoFlex technology, which has proven itself in more than 700 shoe press installations worldwide since its introduction in 1984. This groundbreaking technology has permanently changed the paper industry by ensuring maximum production output and the highest quality standards.

“World trade at an historic crossroads” says keynote speaker at the BIR World Recycling Convention

How recyclers will benefit from the growing demand for secondary materials during a seismic shift in the world order has been set out at the Bureau of International Recycling’s World Recycling Convention in Bangkok. On 27 October, at the event’s Opening Session chaired by BIR President Susie Burrage OBE, delegates were assured by keynoter speaker Juan Verde that the sustainability agenda was not under threat. It was being re-labelled and recycling remained critical.

Ahlstrom launches flame-retardant paper to enhance fire protection in spray painting booths

Ahlstrom introduces a new flame-retardant paper enhanced with Flame-Gard™ technology —engineered to meet the demanding fire safety and durability needs of spray painting booths and industrial workshops.

ABB launches mill-wide optimization software for smarter, more resilient pulp production

ABB has introduced ABB Ability™ Plant Optimizer for Pulp Mills, a dynamic software solution that helps pulp producers bridge the gap between production planning and real-time operations. Designed specifically for the complex, interconnected nature of pulp production, the software enables mills to improve traceability, maintain operational stability and reduce production costs throughout the pulp mill.

delaware revolutionizes the Mill Products industry with DM4Mill, its SAP-integrated digital solution

delaware, a strategic and Platinum Partner of SAP, announces a major breakthrough in the digital transformation of the Mill Products industry with its innovative solution DM4Mill, designed to address the specific challenges of material manufacturers in plastics, metals, cables, paper, flooring, packaging, and printing.

Mondi South Africa drives energy self‑sufficiency and climate resilience with new turbine and flood‑proofing projectst

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has achieved a major sustainability milestone at its Merebank mill in Durban, South Africa, with the installation of a new turbine in the site’s power plant. The mill is now able to generate 60% of its electricity, significantly reducing reliance on grid-supplied power and improving operational efficiency.

Mondi pioneers Cradle to Cradle Certified® certification in South Africa with its uncoated fine paper portfolio

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, proudly announces that its uncoated fine paper portfolio of office paper and reels produced at its Merebank mill in South Africa has achieved Cradle to Cradle Certified® at the Bronze level.

Mondi Rotatrim rebrands to reflect local focus, sustainability and social impact in South Africa

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has unveiled a new brand identity for Mondi Rotatrim, its signature multifunctional office paper and one of the most recognised premium paper brands in South Africa.

Veolia announces the appointment of Nicole Springer to lead strategic Mobile Water & Integrated Services business

Veolia, the international company specialized in water, waste and energy management, announced today the appointment of Nicole Springer as CEO of Mobile Water and Integrated Services for its water technologies activities. In this role, Nicole will lead the global business line dedicated to services and mobile units, accelerating the deployment of Veolia's unique mobile fleet — the largest in the industry — and expanding its emergency response capabilities, helping clients ensure business continuity while meeting increasingly stringent environmental requirements.