PaperFIRST

Arthur J. Ragauskas, Ph.D., rises to role of TAPPI Journal Editor-in-Chief

TAPPI announced that Arthur J. Ragauskas, Ph.D., has assumed the editor-in-chief role for TAPPI Journal. Ragauskas is a professor at the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville, TN, and has been a member of the TAPPI Journal Editorial Board since 2011. As a member of the Editorial Board, he has curated eight special issues on a range of topics, including nanocellulose, lignocellulose, lignin valorization, and the forest biorefinery.

ABB introduces Automation Extended: enabling industrial innovation with continuity

ABB has introduced its Automation Extended program, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems (DCS), designed to help industries modernize without disruption. Building on ABB’s long-standing leadership with the world’s largest DCS installed base and vision in process automation, Automation Extended outlines how future automation capabilities can be introduced progressively – preserving system integrity while enabling the flexibility, scalability and efficiency needed for the next era of industrial operations.

Fedrigoni Group Special Papers of NA (FSPNA) Waterford, New York has integrated Cristini’s FiberScan microwave sensors

Fedrigoni Group Special Papers of NA (FSPNA) in Waterford, New York has integrated Cristini’s FiberScan microwave sensors into closed control loops on both paper machines to manage sheet consistency on the forming fabric. Installed under the forming fabric in strategic placement along the Fourdrinier , FiberScan sensors continuously measure sheet consistency in real-time. This data is then used to maintain target consistency by adjusting vacuum elements upstream of the sensor. Variations in furnish have a direct impact on drainage, therefore it is important to maintain tight consistency control for good sheet formation and other key attributes.

Sonoco and ENGIE Announce Commencement of 140-Megawatt Virtual Power Purchase Agreement

Big Sampson Wind Project is First Offsite Renewable Energy Project for Sonoco Will represent over 83% of Sonoco U.S. electricity needs

The Navigator Company announces a 30 USD/t Price increase on UWF Papers in Overseas Markets

The Navigator Company will be implementing a 30 USD/t price increase in Uncoated Woodfree (UWF) Papers in Overseas markets. The new pricing is effective immediately.

400: The Collector’s Issue of "La Papeterie Mag’" has just been released!

A 20-page Retrospective on the 2010–2020 decade: major events, mill and supplier news, market and technology trends, highlights on Copacel and ATIP leadership, a look back at the ATIP "Palmes d’Or" awards, and more.

International Paper to Create Two Independent Public Companies

Accelerating path to profitable growth by building two scaled, regional packaging solutions leaders in North America and EMEA

Innovative measurement solutions from German manufacturer emtec Electronic at ExpoAcotepac 2026 in Colombia

At ExpoAcotepac in Cali, Colombia, emtec Electronic will be presenting selected measuring devices at the booth of its partner company IDMtest from February 25 to 27. In addition to two compact charge measuring devices, the TSA will also be presented this year in a new design as the Tactile Sensation Analyzer.

European Pulp and Paper Industry welcomes the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement and urges EU Parliament for a Swift Ratification

The Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) calls on the European Parliament to ratify of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA), emphasising its potential to eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers and foster growth for European pulp and paper companies, which are some of the strongest exporters amongst EU manufacturing sectors.

Smurfit Westrock demonstrates industry-leading performance by winning 15 WorldStar awards

Smurfit Westrock has once again demonstrated its leadership in paper-based packaging by picking up 15 WorldStar awards.

Sonoco Chief Operating Officer Rodger Fuller to Retire

Sonoco Products Company , a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, today announced that Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) Rodger Fuller plans to retire after a 40-year career in Company leadership effective February 28, 2026.

Rayonier Advanced Materials Announces the Appointment of Scott M. Sutton as Chief Executive Officer

Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Scott M. Sutton as Chief Executive Officer, and President, effective January 5, 2026. Mr. Sutton will also join the Company’s Board of Directors.

Best wishes for 2026 from the PaperFIRST Team

A happy and successful year 2026 to our industry colleagues around the world!

LATAMPAPER Buenos Aires - A must attend event in 2026

Latampaper Argentina 2026 will take place on May 13–14, 2026, in Buenos Aires. This event is recognized as the most important technical meetings for the paper, board, and tissue industries in Latin America. It brings together production managers, technical directors, mill superintendents, and decision-makers from paper mills across the region.

PaperWeek 2026: A virtual hub for innovation in pulp, paper, and forest products

PaperWeek is PAPTAC’s flagship conference serving the pulp & paper and forest products industry.

Elof Hansson appoints Lennart Eberleh as new CEO

The Board of Elof Hansson Holding has appointed Lennart Eberleh as the new CEO of the international trading house Elof Hansson. Lennart Eberleh is currently the CEO of Rottneros and has many years of experience in the forest and paper industry.

ANDRITZ starts up sludge drying plant at Eldorado Brasil Celulose

ANDRITZ, which supplied the technology and developed the new biological sludge drying plant for Eldorado Brasil Celulose’s pulp mill in Três Lagoas, Brazil, celebrated the plant’s successful start of operations. This project represents another step forward in Eldorado’s strategies to transform waste into energy and enhance the environmental efficiency of its operations.

Domtar to permanently close Crofton Mill

Domtar today announced it will permanently close operations at its Crofton, British Columbia, facility.

Next-generation Valmet IQ Web Monitoring System sets a new benchmark for process visibility, quality and efficiency

Valmet introduces the renewed Valmet IQ Web Monitoring System (WMS), designed to elevate quality and efficiency in pulp, paper, tissue, as well as paper and board converting industries. The new WMS delivers exceptional image quality through the most compact design and industry-leading illumination technology.

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.

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.

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.