AF&PA, FPAC, CEPI, IBA and IPMA share their vision of the global market environment in PaperFIRST Mag
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Closed recycling loop for Infinity press felts from Voith reduces specific carbon footprint by up to 31 percent
Voith is launching an innovative recycling concept for press felts in collaboration with its partner Aquafil, enabling papermakers to drastically reduce their specific product carbon footprint. The newly developed Infinity +Green press felts and a closed recycling loop reduce Scope 3 emissions by up to 31 percent.
Ten years of Voith’s XcelLine: The backbone of modern paper production celebrates a milestone
Ten years ago, Voith introduced the XcelLine and set new standards in paper production. Today, the machine is established all over the world—and has become the backbone of countless paper mills. It stands for everything that counts in a volatile market: reliability, flexibility, and innovation. Now, as the industry faces uncertainties, increasing cost pressures, and complex sustainability goals, the XcelLine emerges as a strong solution for future-proof paper production.
GPC at "Sustainable Mornings": A Commitment to the Environment.
Earlier this month, GPC had the pleasure of participating in the 1st edition of the 'Matinées Durables' (Sustainable Mornings) event, organized in Casablanca by Consonews. This event, moderated by Chouaouta Hassan, an expert in sustainable development, brought together various committed stakeholders around major environmental challenges.
Valmet announces a new strategy, ‘Lead the Way’, and publishes new 2030 financial targets
Valmet is holding its Capital Markets Day 2025 tomorrow June 5, 2025, presenting its new strategy and 2030 financial targets designed to deliver a step-up improvement in financial performance, growth, and ability to transform industries towards a regenerative tomorrow.
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 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.
Prepare for the BIR World Recycling Convention in Valencia
Prepare to be amazed! Discover yet another facet of BIR World Recycling Conventions!
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.