Step into the future

Metsä Group takes a big step forward in the development of Kuura and starts pre-engineering the first commercial Kuura textile fibre mill. Its purpose is to prepare for the industrial production of Kuura fibre.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement on Jamieson Greer's confirmation as U.S. Trade Representative.

Irving Paper, located in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, will permanently shut down 50 per cent of its operations as a direct result of New Brunswick's uncompetitive industrial electricity rates. The company made the announcement to the 140 impacted employees today, effective immediately.

Valmet continues to redefine possibilities in tailored tissue converting solutions that enhance quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Warm-up Next process takes embossing to the next level, delivering up to 50% more caliper, increased softness, reduced paper consumption, up to 60% energy savings, and improved operational safety—all without using a single drop of water.

The EU Commission announced a package of legislative proposals aiming to restore Europe’s competitiveness in a way that is compatible with its ambitious climate objectives. In doing so, the European Union is developing a regulatory environment that is particularly fit for circular bioeconomy industrial players, bioeconomy being identified in the Clean Industrial Deal as one of a few strategic sectors.

Italian company Burgo has announced a price increase for fine paper, according to Euwid. According to the company, prices for woodfree coated and uncoated paper in sheets and reels will rise by up to 7 per cent. The hike is to be effective from 1 April.

Mondi, a global leader in the production of sustainable packaging and paper, recently published its results for the 12 months to 31 December 2024.

Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, announced fiscal first quarter 2025 results.

Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions for food, beverage and industrial applications, announced today a $50 million investment in its Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility to modernize and expand the production of industrial starches for the packaging and papermaking industries.

The Fedrigoni Group - a global reference in the manufacturing of speciality papers for packaging and other creative applications, self-adhesive labels, graphic media for visual communication, and RFID - announced the acquisition of a minority stake in Papkot, a start-up which developed the first large-scale paper coating technology with the same properties as plastic by replacing silicon and cellulose into a nanostructured material that eliminates plastic from single-use packaging. 

Voith is modernizing and expanding its roll service center in West Monroe, La., underscoring its firm commitment to the future of the paper industry and the evolving needs of customers. The expansion will be Voith Paper’s largest, most recent investment in North America. 

ND Paper announced plans to restart PM 25 at its Biron, Wisconsin, pulp and paper mill. PM 25 was idled in April of 2024.

Metsä Group has started pre-engineering of the first commercial Kuura textile fibre mill in Finland.

Producing a folding boxboard (FBB) is a demanding process, and Incada, the paperboard made at the Workington mill in the UK, is of very high quality.

Eco Guardian announces the upcoming opening of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ontario, Canada, set to be fully operational in Q4 2025. This strategic expansion enhances Eco Guardian's ability to produce high-quality, compostable, and recyclable paper cups and bowls in Canada, reducing dependency on foreign imports and reinforcing the 'Made in Canada' movement.

The sustainable roll cover family 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.

Huhtamaki, a global leader in sustainable food packaging solutions, announces the development of the recyclable single coated paper cups ProDairy, specifically designed for yogurt and dairy products. Yogurt is a product with high food safety requirements.

Ox Industries, a leader in recycled paperboard manufacturing, has introduced new high-strength paper grades for paper cores in the film and paper industries. These innovative grades enhance performance and durability, meeting the demands of high-performance applications.

American Packaging Corporation (APC), a leader in flexible packaging solutions, is advancing renewable and bio-based packaging technologies. Sustainability expert, Jeff Travis, Manager of Innovation and Sustainability, publishes his white paper titled, "Material Options and Considerations for Utilizing Bio Content in Flexible Packaging Applications," guiding through the options and other considerations when incorporating renewable or bio-based content into flexible packaging.

Paper straws have become almost omnipresent in restaurants, bars, and fast food outlets as the hospitality industry has rushed to abandon plastic in response to consumer backlash. According to Data Intelligence, the drinking straw market in North America itself was valued at USD 3,208.44 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.26% to reach USD 5,099.80 million by 2031.

Tim Nicholls has been named Executive Vice President and President of DS Smith, an International Paper company, reporting to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andy Silvernail. Tim has more than 30 years of industry experience including a variety of business and finance leadership roles.

Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:PKG) announced the following planned management changes.

Aikawa Fiber Technologies (AFT) announces the appointment of Mr. Jeff Hartman as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective February 18, 2025.

Metsä Group has announced significant changes to its Executive Management Team, effective March 1, 2025. 

New Resource from TAPPI Press.  Get Your Copy Today!

Join us on March 7, 2025, for an inspiring International Women’s Day Panel where industry leaders will share real strategies to #AccelerateAction and drive meaningful inclusion.

T.Scott Frasca and Daniel J. Goymerac named to TAPPI’s Board of Directors.

Spring into learning with these training events for paper makers coming up.

Join our exclusive webinar on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (ET) to explore key strategies for improving Fourdrinier formation, turbulence control, and hydrofoil technology.