PaperFIRST

ABB selected by Flex Asepto Egypt for advanced packaging production facility

ABB has won an order from Flex Asepto Egypt, a subsidiary of Asepto and part of the UFlex Group, for its L&W laboratory testing instruments and dedicated digital solution for the laboratory, the L&W Lab Management System. The technologies will support Asepto’s new aseptic liquid manufacturing plant in Egypt, enabling digitalized, high-performance quality management as the company expands its reach across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Automation is becoming the operating system of modern industry

Automation is no longer a nice-to-have but optional efficiency tool. It is now a strategic necessity that belongs on the board agenda, to be discussed alongside AI. In a world of geopolitical uncertainties, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, cost pressures, energy insecurity and high expectations for uptime, companies that deploy automation will be far better placed to remain resilient, competitive and – ultimately – relevant.

Valmet launches IQ Virtual Sensor, enabling real‑time strength optimization and unlocking significant fiber and starch saving

Valmet introduces Valmet IQ Virtual Sensor, a software-based solution that gives paper and board producers real-time visibility of critical end-product strength properties that have traditionally been measured only in the laboratory. By providing continuous quality predictions, the solution enables mills to maintain consistent quality, reduce fiber and starch costs, decrease energy consumption, and increase overall production efficiency.

Mondi reveals how purpose-built corrugated packaging can drastically reduce food waste

Mondi has released a new white paper exploring how fit-for-purpose packaging can help food producers and retailers protect product quality and reduce waste across increasingly demanding supply chains. The paper - ‘Turning Packaging into a Competitive Advantage in the Food Supply Chain’ - shows that handling pressures and packaging performance challenges in today’s complex supply chains can lead to product loss, disruption and brand damage.

UPM and Paramelt introduce bio-based food packaging concept

UPM Specialty Materials and Paramelt have jointly developed a bio-based and paper-based food packaging concept. It provides strong grease protection and improved end-of-life performance, making it particularly suitable for bakery, fast food and convenience applications. UPM’s advanced barrier base papers combined with Paramelt’s innovative bio-based heat-seal and barrier technology deliver a recyclable1 paper-based solution with the grease barrier and sealing performance required for food applications. The components have been individually validated as home compostable2,3.

Broke per reel change reduced by more than 50% with IBS Paper Tapes

The IBS Paper Performance Group, technology leader in paper machine optimization, has significantly improved the reel change process on paper machines for kraftliner, board, and decor paper. By switching from conventional string-based paper tapes to the folded IBS Special Paper Tape, broke per reel change was reduced by up to 55%, thereby significantly increasing annual net production.

New dates for Paper & Tissue Show 2026

In line with our commitment to provide a stable and secure platform that reflects the high standards of the United Arab Emirates, and considering current developments in the region, we have decided to reschedule our exhibition, which was planned for 31 March.

Postponement Notice – Paper & Tissue Show 2026 Date Change

Dear Exhibitors, Visitors and Business Partners,

BIR World Recycling Convention 2026 in Gothenburg: bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever before!

The next BIR World Recycling Convention & Exhibition from (31 May) 1–3 June 2026 will be held at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre (Gothia Towers) in Gothenburg (Sweden), building on the organisation’s record-breaking momentum from 2025.

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.

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

Buckman announces price increases across all product ines in Europe, Middle East and North Africa

Buckman, the specialty chemical company, announces a 5- 12% price increase for impacted product lines, effective February 1st, 2026, or as contracts allow. This price adjustment is necessary to overcome pressure from inflation, transportation, labor costs, increased regulations, associated regulatory costs and key material costs.

Best wishes for 2026 from the PaperFIRST Team

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

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.

GREENLINER announces the startup of PM1

Greenliner has successfully started up its state-of-the-art containerboard machine at the company’s 10th of Ramadan City mill in Egypt in November 2025. Greenliner’s PM 1 is Egypt’s largest containerboard machine, producing paper starting from 80gsm on a 5.15m machine deckle - designed for strength, speed and converting efficiency.

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.

The Navigator Company Strengthens Global Connections at Paperworld Dubai 2025

The Navigator Company, a leading supplier of uncoated woodfree papers and flexible packaging to Middle East and Africa Markets, will participate in Paperworld Dubai 2025, one of the world’s top international trade fairs for paper, stationery, and office supplies. The event attracts visitors from more than 100 countries and serves as a key meeting point for the global paper industry.