PaperFIRST

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 to supply two winders to Wuzhou Special Paper in China

Valmet is to supply two OptiWin Drum two-drum base winders to Wuzhou Special Paper’s paper machine PM 21 in China. This new order follows the customer’s previous winder order, announced in July 2024. The target of this latest investment is to have high-technology winders that can meet the paper machine’s high capacity and quality objectives.

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.

Mondi debuts at LUXE PACK Shanghai 2025 with sustainable papers for luxury packaging

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, premieres at LUXE PACK in Shanghai, showcasing its broad portfolio of sustainable paper for high-quality luxury packaging. At Stand D25, from 9 to 10 April 2025, Mondi, alongside its partner ROXCEL Trading, will showcase how paper packaging can support the sustainability efforts of branded goods manufacturers in the luxury segment.

Successful start-up of the largest ANDRITZ FibreFlow drum pulper in India

ANDRITZ has successfully started up a state-of-the-art recycled fiber line for N.R. Agarwal Industries Ltd. in its mill located in Vapi, India.

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.

Valmet to supply a high-capacity winder to Jingxing Holdings in Malaysia

Valmet is to supply an OptiWin Drum two-drum base winder to Jingxing Holdings’ board machine PM 3 in Malaysia. The target of the investment is to have high-capacity winding technology that meets the requirements of the board machine. The start-up of the winder is scheduled for 2026.

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.

Valmet to supply automation and quality management solutions to Shandong Jintianhe Paper in China

Valmet is to supply automation for Shandong Jintianhe Paper Co., Ltd.’s food-grade packaging materials project in China. The order includes a Valmet DNA Distributed Control System (DCS) with built-in Machine Condition Monitoring, a Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS), Machine Vision, and a Coat Weight Profiler.

Papertech Expo, Dhaka, Bangladesh 2025 Concludes on Positive Note

The 6th edition of Papertech Expo 2025, held from February 10 to 12 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone for the pulp and paper industry.

A.Celli to supply a new paper winder to Five Continents Special Paper

The partnership between Five Continents and A.Celli Paper continues with the order of a new E-WIND® P100 paper winder for the test liner and fluting paper production plant in Hanchuan.

Sale of Norske Skog Boyer

Norske Skog has entered into agreement with Boyer Capital Pty Ltd, to sell the Boyer mill at an enterprise value of approximately NOK 190 million. The transaction is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2025.

Valmet to deliver its first IQ Moisturizer for a kraft machine to Sri Andal in India

Valmet is to deliver a Valmet IQ Moisturizer to Sri Andal Paper Mills Private Limited, located in Sathyamangalam, India. This order is part of Sri Andal Paper Mills’ quality improvement initiatives for their kraft paper production.

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.

ASEAN Paper Bangkok 2025: Pioneering sustainability in the paper industry

The paper industry is at the forefront of driving eco-friendly innovation in response to the growing global emphasis on sustainability. ASEAN Paper Bangkok 2025 will be a critical platform for advancing sustainable practices and addressing the rising demand for environmentally responsible solutions across sectors such as e-commerce, healthcare, and manufacturing.

ANDRITZ to supply stock preparation systems and the seventh pulping line to Sun Paper in Nanning, China

ANDRITZ has received an order from Sun Paper Nanning Paper Co., Ltd to supply two stock preparation systems and a complete P-RC APMP (Pre-Conditioning Refiner Chemical Alkaline Peroxide Mechanical Pulp) line for the mill in Nanning,

Valmet to supply an off-machine coater to a customer in Asia-Pacific

Valmet is to supply a high-speed off-machine coater with automation and services to a customer in Asia-Pacific. The coating machine is designed for coated special paper grades and will include Valmet’s latest curtain coating technology.

A.Celli to supply four sets of E-WIND® P100 paper rewinders to Sun Paper Nanning

The 20-years-long business partnership between A.Celli Paper and Sun Paper continues thanks to the order of four paper rewinders for the PM11 and PM12.

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.

AstenJohnson Announces Leadership Transition in PMC Eurasia

AstenJohnson, today announced an important leadership transition within its PMC Eurasia division. After an esteemed 30-year career with the company, Matt Krauss, President of PMC Eurasia, has decided to retire, effective June 30, 2025.

MasterJet 4Tec: New Voith headbox ensures the highest paper quality and enables significant improvements in operating and energy efficiency

Voith's fourth-generation MasterJet headbox technology, the MasterJet 4Tec, is now available and has already impressed the first customers with its positive effects on operating efficiency and paper quality. The innovations result in improved jet quality and thus flawless, streak-free sheet formation, as well as a reduction in energy consumption.

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.