PaperFIRST

Siemens Energy is starting preparations for business area Transformation of Industry to become a standalone company

Siemens Energy is starting preparations for the legal and operational separation of its Transformation of Industry business area. The goal is to establish the business as a standalone entity and create a strong, independent industrial energy solutions company. The future setup is intended to provide Transformation of Industry with greater entrepreneurial flexibility and additional options for further growth – ranging from bringing in external investors to a potential capital markets transaction. Siemens Energy intends to deconsolidate the business while retaining a meaningful minority stake to support the business's continued development.

Monadnock Paper Mills Releases 2025 Corporate Sustainability Report, Highlighting Responsible Manufacturing

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc., the oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, today announced the release of its 2025 Corporate Sustainability Report, Momentum: Building on Our Legacy to Create a More Sustainable Future.

Key takeaways from Fastmarkets' Latin America Forest Products Conference 2026

The Fastmarkets Forest Products Latin America Conference 2026 concluded in São Paulo on 12 August, gathering more than 50 speakers and around 400 industry participants over two days. Discussions ranged from China's growing influence on global fiber markets to climate risks, investment strategies and the long-term competitiveness of Latin America's forest products sector.

Change in Valmet’s executive leadership team

Valmet has appointed Max Luedtke as Executive Vice President, Pulp, Energy and Circularity business area and a member of Valmet’s Executive Leadership Team. He will start in his position on September 1, 2026, and will be based in Tikkurila, Vantaa, Finland.

Smurfit Westrock reports strong Q2 despite rising costs

Smurfit Westrock has announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, reporting net sales of $8,031 million, up from $7,940 million a year earlier.

Inacsys Opens Founding Access Ahead of September 5 Global Launch

A new Circular Industry Cloud for recyclable paper and plastic materials — built for the industry professionals who move them.

Sonoco Aligns Global Consumer Businesses Under Single Leadership Structure

Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value metal and paper consumer and industrial packaging, today announced it is aligning its Global Consumer Packaging businesses under a single integrated leadership structure reporting to Ernest Haynes, President, Global Consumer Packaging.

Fastmarkets Forest Products North America and International Containerboard Conference 2026 comes to Chicago

The Forest Products North America and International Containerboard Conference 2026 takes place in Chicago from November 2 to 4, uniting two long-established Fastmarkets conferences into the leading commercial meeting for the global pulp, paper, containerboard and packaging industry. Unlike technical or exhibition-led events, the programme is built around market intelligence, pricing, investment and commercial strategy – the decisions businesses are making now.

Sonoco Expands Wood Reels Manufacturing and Assembly Capacity to Meet Growing Market Demand

Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value sustainable metal and paper packaging, today announced continued investment to expand its Wood Reels manufacturing and assembly footprint to meet a surge in demand for power and communications cable packaging driven by AI data center growth and power grid modernization.

Valmet to deliver wood handling line to The Price Companies to secure reliable, high-quality wood chip supply

Valmet will deliver a new wood handling line to The Price Companies in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA. The investment will increase chipping capacity and support an efficient wood chip supply for pulp and paperboard operations.

International Paper Announces Changes to Its Board of Directors

International Paper is pleased to announce that Katherine Collins and Lori J. Ryerkerk have been appointed to the company's Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2026.

International Paper to Close Carrollton South, Texas Packaging Facility

International Paper, a leader in sustainable packaging, today announced it will close its Carrollton South packaging facility located in Carrolton, Texas by the end of the third quarter of 2026. The decision is part of the company's ongoing work to align its manufacturing footprint with customer demand and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of its North America packaging business.

Fastmarkets Forest Products Latin America Conference 2026 returns to São Paulo as the key meeting point for deals and supply chain strategy

São Paulo, August 10–12 – two and a half days of market intelligence and senior-level networking

Siemens Energy begins preparations for the launch of an independent brand

Following the spin-off from Siemens AG in 2020 and the company’s successful development, Siemens Energy is now beginning preparations for the transition to an independent brand. This move is based on the time-limited licence agreement governing the use of the brand.

Canfor announces closure of Northwood Pulp Mill in British Columbia

The Canadian pulp producer Canfor announced this week the permanent closure of its Northwood pulp mill in Prince George, British Columbia.

Ahlstrom expands its global offering for Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) labeling with new release paper manufactured in Brazil

Ahlstrom announced this week the launch of MaxLiner™, a new high transparency and high-density release paper for pressure‑sensitive adhesive (PSA) labeling.

International Paper Temporarily Suspends Operations at its Pine Hill, Alabama, Mill

International Paper proactively decided to temporarily suspend operations at its Pine Hill, Ala., mill after a weather event damaged a critical roof at the facility. International Paper values the safety of its employees and contractors above all else and took this action out of an abundance of caution.

Kyle Chapman elected Barry-Wehmiller Chairman of the Board

Barry-Wehmiller, the privately held, 141-year-old, $4 billion global platform of industrial and packaging automation, professional services and life sciences technology, today announced that Kyle Chapman has been elected Chairman of the Board. In this role, Kyle succeeds his late father, Bob Chapman, who led the company for five decades.

International Paper Continues Strategic Transformation with North America Packaging Network

International Paper, a leader in sustainable packaging, today announced strategic actions that aim to optimize its network, focus investments on the highest-value opportunities and better serve customers across North America. As a result, the company plans to cease its preprint operations at its Richwood, KY facility, and close its Aurora, IL sheet plant and converting plants in Elk Grove, CA and Barrington, NJ by the end of the third quarter 2026.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Announces the Appointment of Daniel M. Krawczyk as Chief Executive Officer; Company Continues Comprehensive Review of Strategic Alternatives

Rayonier Advanced Materials announced today that the Board of Directors has appointed Daniel M. Krawczyk as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective immediately. He will also join the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Krawczyk will be responsible for leading RYAM’s operations and business activities while working closely with the Board and its external advisors as part of RYAM’s exploration of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value.

Sonoco Returns to FORTUNE 500 List

Sonoco Products Company (NYSE: SON), a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, has returned to the FORTUNE 500 list, a ranking of the largest U.S. companies by revenue. Coming in at #489, Sonoco had sales of $7.8 billion in 2025. With 22,000 teammates, the Company serves customers across paper and metal packaging markets around the world.

Sonoco implementing price Increases for Uncoated Recycled Paperboard in North America

Sonoco today announced it is implementing a $60 per ton price increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning July 8, 2026.

International Paper Completes $360MM Acquisition of North Pacific Paper Company

International Paper, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has completed the acquisition of North Pacific Paper Company, a portfolio company of One Rock Capital Partners, for $360MM.

Cristián Infante of Arauco named Fastmarkets Latin America CEO of the Year 2026

Fastmarkets, the leading price reporting agency for commodities market pricing, news, and analysis, has named Cristián Infante of Arauco as Latin America CEO of the Year 2026. The award will be presented during the annual Fastmarkets Forest Products Latin America Conference, taking place in Brazil from August 10–12.