PaperFIRST

Intertrade Hellas selects ABB quality control system to optimize tissue production

ABB has been awarded a new contract by the Greek tissue producer Intertrade Hellas S.A. to supply its quality control system (QCS) to existing and new tissue machines at the company’s Inofyta facility in South East Greece. The project includes ABB’s Network Platform (NP) 1200-based QCS platform with integrated sensors and controls, designed to improve product consistency, process efficiency and data visibility across production lines.

Koehler Group publishes progress status of sustainability objectives for the first time ever

The Koehler Group is continuing to steadily pursue its sustainability strategy. In fact, its new sustainability report for the 2024 reporting year clearly shows this: Numerous projects in areas such as Climate Action, Resource Efficiency, and Social Responsibility have been successfully kicked off, are in progress, or have already been completed.

Smurfit WestRock Spain innovates, bringing pizza boxes to the next level

Smurfit Westrock, the world’s largest integrated paper-based packaging manufacturer, and the Papa Johns pizza chain have strengthened their partnership with the launch of the “Tremendous Triple Box” – an innovative consumer packaging design that holds two pizzas and four sides in a single container and transforms into an interactive football or basketball game.

Fedrigoni at Labelexpo 2025 in Barcelona: The Future of Labeling between innovation, sustainability, and design

Fedrigoni will take center stage at the upcoming Labelexpo Europe 2025 - to be held in Barcelona from 16 to 19 September 2025, at stand 3D79 - where it will showcase a dynamic portfolio of innovative, sustainable, and high-performance self-adhesive solutions, designed to meet the needs of both established and evolving markets. The company will guide visitors through a personalized journey of cutting-edge materials, advanced technical functionalities, and unmistakable premium aesthetics, with a particular focus on high-end papers for the wine sector, labeling and packaging solutions, and smart RFID-based products developed by Tageos.

Metsä Group to launch the planning of a significant cost savings and profit improvement programme

Due to prolonged weak profitability and the uncertain market outlook, Metsä Group is to initiate the planning of a significant cost savings and profit improvement programme. The aim of the programme is to achieve annual cost savings of approximately EUR 300 million, which are expected to be implemented gradually from 2026.

Sami Pauni appointed Executive Vice President, General Counsel of UPM

Sami Pauni has been appointed Executive Vice President, General Counsel of UPM. He will be a member of UPM’s Group Executive Team and report to Massimo Reynaudo, President and CEO. He will assume his role by January 24, 2026, at the latest.

From flexible to corrugated: Mondi showcases its unique range of sustainable packaging solutions at Fachpack 2025

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging, is set to take centre stage at Fachpack 2025 in Nuremberg (23–25 September), showcasing its unique wide range of packaging solutions – from kraft paper, solid board, corrugated solutions to functional barrier papers and flexible plastic-based packaging – tailored to meet the varied needs of its customers. By bringing this holistic offering to the show, Mondi reaffirms its unique position: offering a comprehensive approach to packaging that delivers fit-for-purpose solutions and clear advantages for customers.

Progroup remains on a sustainable track: Sustainability Report 2024 published

Progroup remains clearly on track when it comes to sustainability, even in economically challenging times. The Sustainability Report 2024 that is now being published not only outlines the latest developments, measures and successes, but also clearly illustrates the ongoing commitment of the family-run company, which is based in Landau.

UPM plans to end paper production in Kaukas, Lappeenranta and plans to shift coated mechanical paper production in Finland to its Rauma mill

Driven by structural overcapacity in the graphic paper markets and the need to ensure long-term competitiveness of its operations, UPM Communication Papers plans to end paper production at UPM Kaukas paper mill, Finland, reducing the annual production capacity of coated mechanical paper by 300,000 tonnes.

Lecta expands its range of innovative barrier papers with the launch of Metalvac Seal Oxygen Barrier

A new recyclable solution for flexible packaging of food products requiring high barrier properties

FEDRIGONI has introduced TERRAE, SYLVICTA, and shopping bag papers at LUXEPACK PARIS

The LuxePack show in Paris has just wrapped up, where Fedrigoni showcased numerous packaging solutions, blending luxury, performance, and sustainability. Among the highlights were Terrae, Fedrigoni Selection – Shopping Bags, and Sylvicta, all distinguished by their quality and versatility.

Carl KRAFFT & Söhne GmbH & Co KG : Changes in Management New authorized signatories support the managing director

Nothing is as constant as change, as the saying goes. A company in its 155th year of existence can tell you all about this, and Carl KRAFFT & Söhne GmbH & Co. KG announces recent changes in its management team.

Designing for a Circular Future: FBCA Unveils RECY:CHECK Certification and Updated Design for Recycling Guidelines

The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) today announced the official launch of RECY:CHECK, a robust recyclability certification protocol for fibre-based composite packaging (FBCP), alongside the release of the 2025 edition of the Design

Joint lab for Sustainable Innovation in Cellulose-Based Materials and Printed Electronics

On July 17, 2025, Fedrigoni and CNRS, UGA and Grenoble INP – UGA for the LGP2 research laboratory officially inaugurate their joint laboratory in Grenoble. This milestone reinforces a collaboration spanning over 14 years, focused on pioneering sustainable innovation at the intersection of cellulose-based materials and printed electronics.

RDM group : Seeking sustainable packaging for detergent products?

Typical uses of PE-coated boards are hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) products such as powders and dry products that have to remain dry and well protected from humidity or accidental water spillages.

Valmet to deliver biomass boiler and flue gas cleaning system to Saica Group in Spain

Valmet has received an order from Saica Group (Sociedad Anonima Industrias Celulosa Aragonsesa) to supply a biomass boiler and flue gas cleaning system for Saica Group’s plant in El Burgo de Ebro, Zaragoza, Spain.

ZELLCHEMING Association – New board elected

From July 1 to 3, 2025, the Annual General Meeting of the Zellcheming Association took place at the RheinMain CongressCenter (RMCC) in Wiesbaden, coinciding with the Zellcheming-Expo.

Kadant Acquires Babbini and GPS Engineering to Expand Fiber Processing Capabilities

Kadant Inc. announced it has completed the acquisition of Babbini S.p.A. and G.P.S. Engineering S.r.l. (GPS), two Italy-based companies specializing in industrial dewatering and engineered power transmission solutions.

Sappi celebrates future-proof paper packaging at FACHPACK 2025

From 23-25 September 2025, Sappi Europe will present its most comprehensive portfolio of sustainable flexible packaging solutions at FACHPACK in Nuremberg, Germany. Sappi will promote Guard Pro OHS and introduce Guard Pro OMH and Guard Duo, barrier papers crafted to meet the packaging needs for food and especially confectionery applications such as chocolate, whilst demonstrating its leadership in future-proof paper packaging under the theme "Future-Proof Paper Packaging."

Lecta expands its EraCup Range: A new era of responsibility for paper cups

Innovative board solutions to meet the growing demand for more sustainable packaging in food and beverage applications.

Patrick Leclercq appointed Divisional CEO Corrugated Board at VPK Group

VPK Group announced this week the appointment of Patrick Leclercq as the new Divisional CEO Corrugated Board. Since joining the company in 2017, Patrick has built an impressive international career within VPK, holding key positions in Belgium, the Nordics, and France. His extensive experience and strategic insight make him the ideal candidate to lead and strengthen the division.

Sappi Europe achieves major milestone in its sustainability journey by reducing the carbon footprint of its Galerie range by 55%

Sappi Europe announces today that it has cut the carbon footprint of its Galerie paper range by 55%, which is projected to reach 70% by the end of 2024. This milestone is a key step forward in Sappi Europe’s sustainability journey, contributing significantly to its decarbonisation targets as well as those of its customers.

PALM successfully completes acquisition of five corrugated packaging plants from International Paper

PALM Group, the European producer of paper and corrugated packaging based in Germany, has successfully completed the acquisition of five corrugated packaging plants from the US-based company International Paper (IP). The transaction was completed on 30 June 2025, following the approval by the European Commission and the French antitrust authorities.

Resilient in uncertain times, pulp and paper sector continues to lead on sustainability and decarbonisation new data shows

The Cepi key statistics report 2024 shows that pulp and paper sector remained resilient in 2024, with a recovery that has partly offset the decline of 2021-2023. While regulatory conditions for global competitiveness remain an issue, sustainability and decarbonisation remain priorities.