Kurita America, part of the Kurita Group, a leading global provider of water treatment solutions, announced its pending merger with sister company, Avista Technologies, Inc. (Avista). This merger will officially take effect on April 1, 2025. Avista, headquartered in San Marcos, California, specializes in membrane treatment solutions and process support for reverse osmosis systems, microfiltration/ultrafiltration and multimedia filtration.

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.

UPM Raflatac announced that it has acquired Metamark, a manufacturer and distributor of graphics solutions based in the UK.

By Rachel Kagan, PPEC
From the evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, to navigating potential regulations on PFAS use, and getting closer to receiving guidance on environmental claims, all while keeping an eye on the shifting political landscape.

Swedish market pulp producer Rottneros published its year-end report for January-December 2024.

Sappi reported first quarter fiscal year 2025 results for the period ended December 2024.

UPM reported fourth quarter and full-year 2024 results. Massimo Reynaudo, UPM's President and CEO, pointed out that the company's performance in 2024 improved over 2023 and decisive actions to improve performance, accelerate growth and deliver value have been implemented and will continue.

How do you determine what is recyclable and suitable as a raw material for the paper industry? What "design for recycling" does the paper industry need for a sustainable fibre cycle?

Cardinal Tissue LLC announced the acquisition of Softex Paper's US assets, located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Palatka, Florida. Both companies convert parent rolls of tissue paper into tissue products such as toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, and facial tissue. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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.

The ongoing industrial strike in the chemical industry in Finland has forced UPM to suspend production at the company’s UPM Kymi pulp mill. Operations at Kymi paper mill are not affected.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company reported fourth quarter and full-year 2024 results.

International Paper (IP) has acquired land in Waterloo, Iowa, for the construction of a state-of-the-art corrugated box plant.

ABB, a global leader in food processing motor and drive technologies, launched the Baldor-Reliance® Food Safe SP5+ motor, the world’s first IP69 ultra-premium efficient motor, at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) on January 28. This advanced technology sets a new benchmark for energy efficiency, hygiene and durability in food and beverage production environments.

Tank base corrosion presents a significant challenge for above-ground storage tanks, threatening structural integrity, risking environmental contamination, and incurring costly repairs or replacements. Recognizing the critical need for robust protection, Denso, Inc., a leader in corrosion prevention technologies, proudly offers the Viscotaq Tank Base Corrosion Protection System—a cutting-edge solution designed to mitigate these risks effectively.

With a growing emphasis on both esthetics and sustainability, florists are seeking packaging solutions that are not only visually appealing but also responsibly sourced.

Valmet has been recognized for its actions and strategy to mitigate climate change by receiving the best A score and maintaining its leadership position in the CDP Climate disclosure. CDP's evaluation is based on the company's disclosure about its climate-related strategy, targets, governance, risks and opportunities, risk management, and actions in the last reporting year.

Svante Technologies Inc., a leading next-generation carbon capture and removal technology company, announced that it is developing a world-first carbon capture and storage project at its Ashdown Pulp Mill in Arkansas.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today introduced Packaging Corporation of America Chairman & CEO Mark Kowlzan as AF&PA’s incoming Board Chair. He joined other paper and wood product industry leaders at the association's Winter Board of Directors’ Meeting on January 30.  

Ox Industries announced the promotion of Sal Soldana to General Manager of its Aurora, Illinois converting facility, effective January 27, 2025.

Jussi Vanhanen, LLM, MBA, has been appointed as Metsäliitto Cooperative’s new CEO. He will also be the President and CEO of Metsä Group. Jussi Vanhanen will start in his new position on 1 July 2025.  Until 30 June 2025, the position will be held by Metsä Group’s current President and CEO Ilkka Hämälä, who will then transfer to special duties within the company. These duties will continue until 23 October 2025, when he retires.

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