PaperFIRST

ABB launches a generative AI solution to safeguard industrial expertise and empower workforces

ABB today announced the introduction of ABB Ability™ Industrial Knowledge Vault, a generative AI-driven solution designed to solve the growing challenge of knowledge loss in industrial environments. Industrial Knowledge Vault, using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, can store, retain and safeguard critical expertise while actively transforming that knowledge into step-by-step workflows. This enables workers to quickly access and apply best practices, empowering businesses to run leaner while preserving safe operations.

Valmet DNAe awarded as the world’s first fully web-based DCS with ISASecure SSA cybersecurity compliance

Valmet has reached a significant milestone in industrial cybersecurity with its Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System (DCS): it is the world’s first fully web-based system to receive the ISASecure System Security Assurance (SSA) Security Level 1 certificate. The external assessment conducted by exida ensured that Valmet DNAe meets the strict security requirements and levels specified in the ISA/IEC 62443-3-3 standard. The Valmet DNAe reference architecture networks were precisely evaluated, configured, and tested according to network topology and component requirements.

The StepChange Consulting B3NCH update shows that industry sees mixed financial performance across segments in 2024

StepChange Consulting has published the latest B3NCH FY-2024 financial report, providing insights into the performance of approximately 100 companies operating within the pulp, paper, packaging, and tissue sectors. The industry's overall performance has stabilized yet remains below 2023 levels, with persistent overcapacity across multiple segments. Despite limited profitability rebound, most companies sustained a positive EBITDA, with only a few reporting negative net profits.

Voith sets for itself scientifically sound climate targets

The Voith Group has set for itself scientifically based climate targets. Accordingly, the company is committed to reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of its own sites (Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions) by 50.4% by fiscal year 2031/32 compared to the baseline year 2021/22. In addition, Voith aims to reduce GHG emissions from the use of its products (Scope 3) by 30% over the same period.

Voith expands sustainable portfolio: SolarPress Green sets new standards for bio-based roll covers

The sustainable roll cover family from Voith keeps growing: SolarPress Green, together with SolarFlow Green and AiroGuide Tune Green, expands the portfolio with another sustainable solution and sets new standards in the paper industry. With SolarPress Green, Voith offers another bio-based polyurethane press roll cover with a hardness range of 5 to 20 PJ – while providing the same mechanical performance as the proven SolarPress roll cover.

BLUEBACKER ECO GRIP SC – the latest generation of drum lagging for corrugated board industry

With the BLUEBACKER ECO GRIP SC, GKD - Gebr. Kufferath AG presents a new generation of drum lagging for corrugated board production. This innovative product features an intelligent combination of mesh structure and full-surface polymer layer for optimum running properties when used with all GKD doublebacker belts.

Mondi South Africa excels in energy resilience and efficiency, contributing to our Net-Zero pathway

To support the Group’s ambitious Net-Zero targets, Mondi has upgraded its operational infrastructure to reduce energy consumption in the production of its packaging and paper products. These investments in energy and process efficiencies are being implemented across the business, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from operations (Scope 1).

Mondi wins ten prestigious WorldStar Awards for innovative packaging solutions

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is proud that ten of its innovative products have received WorldStar Packaging Awards in 2025. The awards, organised annually by the World Packaging Organisation, celebrate outstanding achievements in packaging design and technology across the globe.

Buckman earns Platinum Medal from EcoVadis for sustainability performance

Buckman, the US-headquartered global specialty chemical company with over 1,350 associates worldwide, announces that it has achieved a Platinum Medal rating from EcoVadis, a global leader in business sustainability assessments.

In Memoriam: Esko Uutela, an expert of the tissue paper industry gone too soon

It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Esko Uutela, a distinguished consultant and globally recognized expert in the tissue industry, who served with unwavering dedication at Fastmarkets, and Pöyry before that. His profound insights and unparalleled expertise will leave an indelible mark on the global paper and tissue markets, especially for the regulars of the Fastmarkets and Tissue World conferences.

South African paper producer extends partnership with ABB to upgrade operations and accelerate digitalization

Neopak, a leading manufacturer of containerboard and paper products, has renewed its partnership with global technology company ABB to upgrade the existing automation system at its Rosslyn Paper Mill in Pretoria, South Africa. The mill produces a variety of paper grades, including high-performance recycled liner and fluting, paper bags, core board, and plasterboard – essential materials for local industry applications such as building hardware, converters, and corrugators for packaging.

The Nordic Paper Days 2024 by Bellmer: Global perspectives on sustainable paper and board production

Held in Finland, the Nordic Paper Days 2024, organized by the machinery manufacturer Bellmer, gathered industry professionals to explore the latest in sustainable practices for paper, pulp, and board production. About 130 clients and partners from across Europe, North America, Brazil, and Asia joined discussions spanning from the bioeconomy’s growth to advancements in energy efficiency and machine optimization.

Ongoing World Recycling Convention in Singapore - Opening/keynote session: ‘Embrace AI to succeed’

A forward-looking, dynamic and thriving vision of a global recycling industry supported by generative artificial intelligence (AI) was set out at the Bureau of International Recycling’s World Recycling Convention in Singapore. On 28 October, at the event’s Opening Session chaired by BIR President Susie Burrage OBE, the huge potential to recyclers of ground-breaking uses of AI was the theme of the keynote address from Dr Ayesha Khanna, Co-Founder and CEO of Addo, a global AI solutions firm based in Singapore, on 28 October.

Antalis Signs Agreement to Acquire Xerox’s Paper Business in EMEA Strengthens its Position as a Major Paper Distributor in Europe, Africa, and India

Antalis, a European leader in the distribution of paper, packaging, and visual communication solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Xerox’s paper business in EMEA. Xerox distributes office papers and digital printing products in over 40 countries in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East, India, and Africa.

International Paper strengthens commitment to nature with $15.3 million investment in conservation partnerships

International Paper reaffirms its dedication to conserving forest ecosystems, nature and biodiversity with a $15.3 million investment to renew strategic alliances with key conservation partners, including the American Forest Foundation (AFF), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). These collaborations are pivotal to IP's business strategy and Vision 2030 goal to conserve and restore 1 million acres of ecologically significant forestland.

Last 10 days for the first global meeting of Paper Industry in Istanbul

Paper Eurasia Exhibition is the premiere event in Eurasia region for pulp, paper, tissue, corrugated cardboard, chemicals, machinery and equipment for paper production.

Paper and Tissue Expo Istanbul 2025! Connecting Exhibitors and Visitors from Turkiye, Eastern Europe, CIS, the Middle East, Asia and North Africa.

The Premier International Paper & Tissue Expo Istanbul, Turkiye, 2025;

World corrugated packaging market returns to growth trajectory

Smithers anticipates major changes as $231.7 billion world corrugated packaging market returns to growth trajectory.

AstenJohnson and Yamauchi Corp NV Forge Expanded Partnership Accross EMEA

AstenJohnson and Yamauchi Corp NV are thrilled to announce a strategic expansion of their partnership, with AstenJohnson now serving as the exclusive representative for Yamabelt in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This collaboration stems from a shared commitment to

X-Rite is extremely pleased to offer you an article about color consistency in paper production.

Learn how customizable solutions from X-Rite Pantone provide paper mills the ability to:

PaperFIRST Mag #10 is available for download

Our Spring edition of PaperFIRST Mag is a must-read for diving deep into the latest trends in the global pulp and paper industry.

Andritz collaborates with Microsoft to drive innovation in the manufacturing industry

Andritz announced last week that the group is collaborating with Microsoft to co- innovate the future of the process industry by enabling fully autonomous factories and by creating a trusted data ecosystem based on the Andritz Metris digital platform and Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing. Collaboration will also foster modern working methods within Andritz, speeding up internal processes for prompt and seamless customer support. This marks a significant step forward in accelerating the digital transformation in the manufacturing industry.

Exciting new exhibitors join the Paper & Tissue One Show in Abu Dhabi

The Paper & Tissue One Show, the leading event for the paper and tissue industry in the Middle East, is pleased to announce the addition of several key exhibitors to this year's line-up at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on 16-18 April 2024. The event will showcase the latest innovations, sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies in the industry. The addition of these new exhibitors underlines the growing importance and international appeal of the event.

The Forest Products Europe Conference in Istanbul is concluding today

The Forest Products Europe Conference, organized by our partner Fastmarkets, stands out as one of the most anticipated events in the pulp and paper industry within the series proposed by the consulting company. Following last year's edition in Prague, the conference is currently underway in Istanbul this week, boasting a peak attendance of 270 registered delegates.