In Kenitra, GPC Papier et Carton is investing some €3 million in the modernization of its PM 2

In Kenitra, GPC Papier et Carton is investing some €3 million in the modernization of its PM 2

At its Kenitra site (Morocco), GPC Papier et Carton has launched an investment of some €3 million to upgrade its PM 2, which produces light-weight packaging papers. The first part of this investment, worth some €600,000, consisted of renovating the wire-end section with the installation of a new headbox (supplied by De Iuliis, see picture) and ceramic drainage elements (supplied by Röchling). Previously, Turbo Blowers had also been installed by Runtech (for some €550,000). In a second phase, the press section will be rebuilt by Allimand, at a cost of over €1 million. Finally, in a third phase, the dryer section, steam circuit, pope reel, and winder will also be modernized. At the end of this program, PM 2 production will be doubled to reach 10,000 tpy (basis weights from 30 to 120 g/m2).

Mounir El Bari Re-elected President of FIFAGE for 2025-2028

Mounir El Bari Re-elected President of FIFAGE for 2025-2028

Mounir El Bari has been re-elected as the President of the Federation of Forest Industries, Graphic Arts, and Packaging (FIFAGE CGEM) for a new four-year term, covering the period from 2025 to 2028. This decision, announced during the federation's general assembly, reflects the renewed confidence of his peers in his ability to lead and defend the interests of the sector.

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

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 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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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’

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.

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

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.