PaperFIRST

Valmet awarded with a Gold Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment

Valmet has been awarded a Gold Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment, placing the company among the top 5% of more than 150,000 companies assessed worldwide. EcoVadis evaluates companies across four categories: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Valmet’s overall score was 82/100, six points higher than last year. The result places the company among the top two percent of all companies assessed by EcoVadis worldwide, bringing the company even closer to its goal, the Platinum Medal.

Sappi Europe Announces Price Increase for Coated Mechanical Reels to Safeguard Long-Term Supply Stability

Sappi Europe, a leading producer of high-quality graphic papers, today announced a general price increase of 5-7% across its Coated Mechanical portfolio, effective from 1 January 2026.

Wright & Associates : Plug & Play: Taking Action on Water Filtration!

This week, our team was in Belgium with one of our clients conducting on-site filtration trials using our Algas filters (developed by @Cellwood Machinery AB).

Valmet to start change negotiations regarding temporary layoffs in the Packaging and Paper business area and Global Supply unit in Finland

Valmet will start change negotiations in accordance with the Finnish Co-operation Act on November 10, 2025, concerning temporary layoffs in parts of its operations in Finland. The planned measures aim to adjust capacity and improve cost efficiency of the Packaging and Paper business area and the Global Supply unit. These organizations have already implemented similar measures earlier this year and last year to adapt to the changed market situation.

Mondi strengthens its innovative drive for sustainable eCommerce packaging

Mondi’s ISTA Lab in ThinkBox Bupak has been officially extended for the next two years, with future innovation led by Gavin Mounce, who is joining the Mondi eCommerce team.

Lecta’s EraCup Natural achieves the flustix “Less Plastics Product” certification, driving sustainable innovation in food service packaging

This international recognition reinforces Lecta’s commitment to a new era of responsibility for paper packaging and positions EraCup Natural among the most advanced solutions on the market.

Hinojosa Packaging Group completes integration of ASV Packaging in France and strengthens its presence in Europe

Hinojosa Packaging Group finalizes the acquisition of ASV Packaging, a reference player in the French folding carton segment for food and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), boasting over 34 years of experience. This transaction completes the process initiated in July 2023, following the initial acquisition of a 49% stake in the French group.

European paper sack industry sets course for net zero

The European paper sack and sack kraft paper industry has embarked on a journey to develop a pathway towards net zero. The current focus is on identifying the main contributors to the industry’s carbon footprint and key areas for decarbonisation. This work builds on a life cycle inventory and carbon footprint project that the industry initiated more than 20 years ago. Close cooperation among all stakeholders along the paper sack value chain will foster knowledge sharing and support the development of a pathway towards climate neutrality by 2050.

James Cropper’s Coloursource launches worldwide in partnership with Winter & Company

James Cropper’s long-awaited Coloursource brand of premium-coloured papers has launched worldwide in an exclusive partnership with renowned cover material supplier Winter & Company.

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.

European Commission Proposal for the EUDR: For Copacel, another disappointment!

On October 28, Copacel, the Association representing pulp, paper and board manufacturers in France, published a press release on the European Commission's proposal of October 21, 2025, for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Here is its position and its arguments.

Mondelēz International partners with DS Smith to create sustainable packaging initiative

DS Smith has partnered with Mondelēz International, one of the world’s largest snacking companies, to trial 300,000 Cadbury Heroes paper tubs across Tesco stores nationwide from October. The paper tubs are part of a test-and-learn initiative that will inform Mondelez’s efforts to achieve their long-term goal of reducing virgin plastic.

Perfecting Circularity Together - 4evergreen Annual Conference to Spotlight Technical Toolbox and Industry Innovation

4evergreen, the cross-industry alliance perfecting the circularity of fibre-based packaging from across the entry value chain, announces its 6th Annual Conference in Brussels on November 19th.

“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.

SCA and Maqs launch the Association Academy – to strengthen local sports organisations in Västernorrland

SCA and MAQS Law Firm are launching the Association Academy – a new, multi-year development programme aimed at strengthening leadership, organisation, and long-term sustainability among the region’s sports clubs.’

Andritz : Even closer to customers with new service hub in Europe!

ANDRITZ has opened a new service hub in Aveiro, Portugal. The center enables the optimization of lead times and logistics through supporting the teams serving our customers: it is located close to industrial zones and has easy access by sea, road, and rail.

BM Certification Issues ISCC – the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification PLUS Certificate to Valmet

BM Certification is pleased to announce that we have issued the ISCC PLUS certificate to Valmet's paper machine clothing production unit in Tampere, Finland, which is recognized for its innovative fabric solutions in the pulp, paper, and board-making industries. This certification highlights Valmet’s commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible production.

SAFEM: Expertise and Predictive Maintenance for Industrial Vacuum Pumps

SAFEM, as demonstrated by our work at Pap. Magnera (Glatfelter), can perform on-site performance tests to check the condition of your vacuum pumps (liquid ring or dry) and locate possible vacuum leaks in your system. We can also organize predictive maintenance for all the vacuum pumps on your machine.

The 27th TECNICELPA International Conference opened in Tomar this week

The Portuguese city of Tomar, known for its rich Templar heritage, is hosting this week the 27th TECNICELPA International Conference – Forest Biobased Materials, gathering professionals from the pulp, paper, forest and biorefinery sectors.

Juha Vanhainen joins the Board of Directors of Metsäliitto Cooperative

At its meeting on 23 October 2025, the Supervisory Board of Metsäliitto Cooperative, the parent company of Metsä Group, elected Juha Vanhainen as a new member of the Board of Directors as of 1 January 2026.

Early bird offer for the Fastmarkets Forest Products Europe Conference 2026

The Fastmarkets Forest Products Europe Conference 2026 is the definitive meeting place for the European pulp, paper and packaging supply chain. March 9-11, more than 300 senior executives from 130 companies across 20+ countries will gather in Barcelona, with 65% of attendees in senior management roles.

Buckman Laboratories International INC has earned a platinum medal

Buckman Laboratories International INC has earned a platinum medal, a recognition awarded to the Top 1% of companies assessed by EcoVadis in the 12 months prior to the medal issue date. It reflects the quality of the company's sustainability management system and demonstrates a commitment to promoting transparency throughout the value chain.