PaperFIRST

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.

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.

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.

Genera starts up ANDRITZ pulping and stock preparation systems for sustainable packaging production

Genera, a leading U.S. manufacturer of sustainable packaging, has successfully started up advanced non-wood pulping and stock preparation systems supplied by international technology group ANDRITZ. Installation of these systems is part of Genera’s large-scale expansion of its manufacturing facility in Vonore, Tennessee, where locally grown grasses are transformed into packaging solutions.

A productive and relaxed second day at the Albany Mexico Seminar

The second day of the Albany Mexico Seminar in Puerto Vallarta offered a balanced rhythm between professional engagement and well-deserved relaxation for the participants. Following an intensive opening day of presentations, technical discussions, and networking around the latest felts and fabric solutions for paper and board machines, the organizers deliberately scheduled a free morning. Attendees used this time according to their own preferences: some opted to enjoy the coastal setting and rest on the beach, others joined small groups for a round of golf nearby, while several took advantage of the quieter hours to handle work commitments from their rooms. This pause in the agenda contributed to maintaining both the energy and the convivial atmosphere that are characteristic of this annual gathering.

Albany Mexico Seminar opens in Puerto Vallarta

Today marks the opening of the week-long seminar organised by Albany Mexico in the vibrant resort city of Puerto Vallarta, gathering approximately 150 professionals from across the paper, carton and cellulose industry value chain. Attendees include pulp and paper producers, packaging converters, equipment and solution suppliers, and key stakeholders keen to explore market dynamics, technology trends and sustainability strategies. After the Tissue Panel organised last year, this edition is dedicated to brown paper.

ANDRITZ strengthens boiler service business by acquiring Allen-Sherman-Hoff

International technology group ANDRITZ has acquired Allen-Sherman-Hoff from US-based Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc., further strengthening its offering of boiler solutions and related services.

deugro Delivers Critical Out of Gauge Components for Pulp Fabrication Facility in Uruguay

As part of a DA Tower installation, deugro, in close cooperation with dteq Transport Engineering Solutions (dteq), successfully delivered critical oversized components to the construction site at the Punta Pereira private terminal in Uruguay.

Sonoco Completes Sale of ThermoSafe Unit to Arsenal Capital Partners

Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, today announced it has completed the sale of its ThermoSafe business unit, one of the leading providers of temperature assurance technologies, to Arsenal Capital Partners, a leading private equity investment firm that specializes in building market-leading industrial growth and healthcare companies, for a total purchase price of up to $725 million. The purchase price consists of $650 million on a cash-free and debt-free basis payable at closing, and additional consideration of up to $75 million (“additional consideration”) if certain performance measures for calendar year 2025 are met. Net proceeds from the transaction will be used to repay existing debt.

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.

TAPPI announces new President & CEO as longtime leader plans 2025 retirement

TAPPI, the leading association for the global pulp, paper, tissue, packaging, and converting industries, today announced the appointment of Lawton C. Roberts as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 3, 2025. Roberts will succeed Larry N. Montague, who is set to retire at the end of the year after 19 years of distinguished leadership.

“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.

Kemira completes the acquisition of Water Engineering, Inc.

Kemira, a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries, has successfully completed the acquisition of Water Engineering, Inc., a privately-owned company headquartered in Nebraska, USA.

Saica Group Breaks Ground on Second U.S. Corrugated Plant, Investing More than $110 Million

With an investment of more than $110 million, Saica Group, one of the largest and most advanced European players in the development and production of recycled paper for corrugated packaging, has begun to build its second Saica Pack plant in the U.S., a new corrugated manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana, this month. Saica Pack is the Saica Group’s division dedicated to producing high-performance corrugated packaging solutions.

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.

KURITA AMERICA and CYCLOPURE to deliver groundbreaking PFAS removal and regeneration solutions

Kurita America Inc., a global leader in water treatment solutions, and Cyclopure, an innovator in advanced adsorbent technologies, today announced their partnership to deliver the most advanced and sustainable solution for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water with a completely regenerable material.

TAPPI announces Call for Speakers for TAPPICon® 2026

TAPPI is now accepting speaker abstracts for its flagship event, TAPPICon® 2026, April 26–29, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. Industry professionals are invited to share their expertise, research, case studies, and innovations by submitting abstracts no later than October 20, 2025.

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.

Veracel at the forefront of Atlantic rainforest restoration in Brazil

Stora Enso’s joint operation Veracel, co-owned with Suzano, is at the heart of a landmark forest restoration initiative launched by Biomas. The Muçununga Project, announced in southern Bahia, Brazil, represents Biomas’ first large-scale effort to restore one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems - the Atlantic rainforest.