North American newsprint production fell sharply in June and remained down by nearly one-third through the first half of 2026, while domestic shipments showed a more moderate decline and overseas exports continued to contract, according to the latest statistics from the Pulp and Paper Products Council (PPPC). North American mills produced 103,000 tonnes of newsprint in June, down by 29.5% from 146,000 tonnes in June 2025. For the first six months of 2026, production totaled 618,000 tonnes, down by 32.8% from 919,000 tonnes in the same period last year. The operating rate, adjusted for idled capacity, was 90% in June, compared with 85% in June 2025, while the year-to-date operating rate was 77%, compared with 89% a year earlier. As reported by RISI/Fastmarkets.

Stora Enso’s lignin, Lineo® by Stora Enso, replaces fossil-based glue in plywood. Polish plywood manufacturer Paged has started collaborating with Stora Enso to meet their customers’ demands for bio-based and more sustainable plywood. This partnership also allows Paged to cut product carbon emissions. Across markets, consumers are increasingly turning towards eco-friendly products and demanding change. At the same time, the business demand for renewable, bio-based and circular solutions is also growing rapidly. We want to do our part and replace fossil-based materials with safer and more natural alternatives. With Lineo®, Paged has the possibility to replace 40% of fossil-based glue with lignin, resulting in a more environmentally friendly end-product. The ultimate goal for Paged is to be able to achieve several thousand tons of reduction in carbon emissions.

Billerud has appointed Doug Schwartz as President Billerud North America and member of the company’s Group Management Team, effective 30 September. Doug Schwartz has extensive experience in the U.S. forest and paper industry, including serving in key leadership roles at companies such as Sonoco Products Company (Sonoco), International Paper and Champion International Corporation. He most recently held the position of Vice President and General Manager, Rigid Paper Containers at Sonoco. “I am very happy that Doug, with his proven track record, will now lead our North America operations, which are integral to Billerud’s business and growth strategy. Together with our competent American team, he will continue our commitment to serve our customers by delivering our core products—graphic paper, specialty papers, and pulp, as well as cartonboard and other packaging materials. At the same time, he will lead the team in identifying strategic product development initiatives to diversify and expand our product portfolio," says Ivar Vatne, Billerud CEO and President.