Paper Clips

Several major international companies—including Asia Pulp & Paper Co., CVC Capital Partners Plc, and RGE Pte—are considering making bids for Essity’s Consumer Tissue business unit, which encompasses the company’s consumer tissue products, such as toilet paper and paper napkins, according to Bloomberg citing people with knowledge of the matter The deal could be worth approximately 3 billion euros.

International Paper (IP) is in talks with bidders about the potential sale of its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) packaging business. The paper and packaging producer says the sale process is in an early stage and that there is “no certainty” a deal will be agreed. “No assurance can be provided at this stage regarding the ultimate timing or structure of the proposed separation of the EMEA Packaging Business from IP,” says the company. The announcement came after the Financial Times reported that private equity firms Lone Star and Atlas Holdings were exploring separate bids for the business, potentially valuing it at less than US$6 billion, according to Reuters.

UPM inaugurated its biorefinery in Leuna, Germany, establishing a commercial-scale platform for wood-based renewable chemicals. The facility represents an investment of €1.37 billion and has an annual production capacity of 220,000 tonnes. The plant converts lignocellulosic biomass into biochemicals. Its feedstock consists primarily of wood from sustainably managed forests and sawmill residues. UPM describes it as the largest facility of its kind worldwide.

A Canadian coalition bringing together local managers at RYAM's Temiscaming mill, unionized workers and First Nations is pursuing the purchase of the mill. The initiative aims to secure the future of the mill's operations and protect the jobs that support families across the region. "The future of our mills should not be decided far from the communities that keep them running. This initiative offers a path to Canadian ownership, with local partners who have a direct stake in the company's long-term success. Unifor supports this effort," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. By bringing together people with a direct stake in the mill's future, the coalition aims to develop a locally driven solution and explore what is needed to restart operations.

Domtar’s mill in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, earned a 2026 Energy Efficiency Excellence Award from Focus on Energy. The award celebrates the mill’s implementation of projects that reduce energy use, improve operations and deliver long-term savings.  “Our partnership with Focus on Energy has supported efforts to enhance the facility’s efficiency while saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy-related expenses,” says Craig Helgeson, general manager of the Nekoosa Mill.  For more than a century, the Nekoosa mill has been part of the community and Wisconsin’s forest products industry. Today, the fully integrated specialty paper mill employs more than 400 Wisconsinites and generates an estimated annual economic impact of more than $600 million.   The mill produces specialty papers for food packaging, security, publishing, functional coating base stocks and other applications. It can also generate 100 percent of the electricity needed for its operations.

Port Hawkesbury Paper announced the promotion of Bruno D'Amato to Director, Canadian and Specialty Paper Sales. He will also retain his current role as Technical Field Sales Manager. D'Amato brings more than 40 years of experience in the printing and paper industry. He graduated in Graphic Arts from Central Technical School in Toronto, Ontario, and began his career in 1984, "Bruno understands our customers' business from the pressroom floor up," commented John Picklesimer, President of Sales for Port Hawkesbury Paper. "He has bought, scheduled and run paper himself, and for more than 20 years he has helped our customers succeed on press. That combination of technical knowledge and long-standing relationships makes him the right person to lead our Canadian and specialty paper sales, while continuing to guide our technical field service."

Norske Skog has made a positive investment decision to rebuild paper machine 6 (PM6) at Norske Skog Saugbrugs in Halden. The investment of up to approximately NOK 850 million (approx. US$88.9 million) will enable flexible production of thermomechanical pulp-based kraftliner and SC magazine paper. The rebuilt PM6 will have flexible production capacity of up to approximately 300,000 tonnes per year (tpy) of TMP-based kraftliner or approximately 230,000 tpy of SC magazine paper. Compared with the existing PM4 (installed capacity of 100,000 tpy of SC paper) and PM5 (installed capacity of 110,000 tpy of SC paper) production lines, PM6 is expected to have a materially improved cost position through more efficient energy consumption, a streamlined production process and reduced staffing requirements. Following start-up of PM6, production on PM4 and PM5 is planned to cease permanently without interruption of customer deliveries.

Speculation has circled for more than a month regarding potential impacts to the packaging industry from the U.S.-Canada trade war, but now more companies are disclosing concrete business impacts. Wood and paper products and raw materials are heavily traded across the border, raising tariff concerns from companies and trade groups in both countries. Like RYAM, many fiber companies also have operations both in Canada and the U.S. In late August, RYAM announced its intention to suspend Témiscaming mill operations in September, but that was postponed until October, according to Unifor.

As sustainability expectations continue to rise across Europe, it is becoming increasingly important to look for ways to reduce emissions and improve transparency across value chains. For Huhtamaki Foodservice Ukraine, this journey has reached an important milestone: the Kyiv production site is now powered by 100% verified renewable electricity. Achieving this milestone is especially meaningful given the ongoing war in Ukraine. The conflict has significantly disrupted the country’s energy infrastructure in recent years, making reliable energy supply an ongoing challenge for businesses.  By transitioning to 100% verified renewable electricity, Huhtamaki Ukraine is reducing the emissions associated with the electricity used in its manufacturing operations, known as Scope 2 emissions. This also helps customers reduce emissions across their own value chains.

The paper and forest products industry sits at the crossroads of sustainability, innovation, and advanced manufacturing, yet it remains one of the best-kept secrets in engineering. At NC State University, the Paper Science and Engineering (PSE) program is working to change that, producing graduates who are uniquely equipped to lead an industry undergoing rapid transformation. NC State’s PSE program offers something rare in higher education: a dual degree in Paper Science and Chemical Engineering that blends rigorous theoretical foundations with deeply applied, industry-relevant training. The paper and forest products sector faces a talent pipeline challenge of significant scale, with demand estimated at nearly 1,000 engineers annually due to an aging workforce. The next generation brings critical capabilities: fluency in advanced data analysis and AI-driven predictive process control, comfort with non-traditional solutions, and a broader perspective that balances engineering excellence with economic reality.

Sappi Europe announces a price increase of €89 per tonne across the Paper Board portfolio in response to sustained cost pressures currently impacting the industry. This pricing adjustment will enable Sappi to continue providing the high levels of product quality, service excellence, and supply security that customers rely on across the company's Paperboard portfolio. Despite productivity and efficiency initiatives as well as  cost cutting, market conditions require a Paper Board  price increase. Effective for all new orders and deliveries from 1 November 2026, prices for Paper Board products will increase by €89 per tonne.

UPM and Sappi have received a Letter of Facts from the European Commission stating that it continues to have serious concerns about the proposed graphic paper Joint Venture. The parties are in the process of analyzing and responding to the Letter of Facts. UPM disagrees with the Commission's preliminary assessment and will continue to engage with the review process. UPM continues to believe that the proposed Joint Venture would support the long-term competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the European graphic paper industry. To address the Commission’s concerns, the parties are planning to submit proposals for specific remedies, but given the rationale of the transaction, not divestments.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions and Nekoosa entered into a definitive agreement under which Nekoosa has acquired Pixelle’s Carbonless Sheets business, including the ExcelOne® brand. Following a comprehensive evaluation of the business and the markets where we can best focus our resources and capabilities to drive long-term growth, Pixelle made the decision to sell the ExcelOne® business to Nekoosa, a company well positioned to carry it forward and continue serving the customers and applications that depend on it. This transaction is specific to our carbonless sheet business.

The global pulp and paper industry is entering a new phase of structural transformation. While overall growth remains steady, regional divergence is becoming more pronounced, product demand is shifting, and trade and regulatory pressures are reshaping traditional expansion paths. At the same time, mergers and acquisitions are increasingly serving as a strategic tool for companies seeking scale, resilience, and access to new markets. This article examines key global development trends in the pulp and paper industry from 2009 through 2028, highlights the changing role of emerging economies, and explores how investment and M&A strategies—particularly among Chinese producers—are evolving in response to these dynamics.

Nippon Dynawave Packaging employees will soon return to work at the Longview, Washington, pulp and paper mill that has largely been idled since the May 26 white-liquor tank implosion there that killed 11 people and injured eight others. The goal is to get the “majority” of employees back to the facility on or around Oct. 12, and after that reentries will be on a staggered schedule to be determined by NDP, said Scott Tift, president of the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers The entire pulp and paper mill employs about 550 people, according to the Washington Department of Ecology. It produces market pulp as well as paperboard for liquid packaging. A small number of employees previously had been called back to the site for limited operations, but full production remains stalled.

Intertape Polymer Group , a global leader in packaging, films, specialty materials, and protective solutions, backed by Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. , announced today that it has acquired Clysar, LLC , a North American manufacturer of premium polyolefin shrink film. Financial terms were not disclosed. Located in Clinton, Iowa, Clysar has spent more than 60 years developing innovative film solutions that seek to address evolving market demands and packaging requirements. Clysar shrink films are trusted by many North American distributors and end users for their quality, performance and reliability. Clysar will go to market as Clysar, an IPG Company, and the trusted Clysar® brand will remain in place alongside IPG’s Exlfilm® brand, giving IPG two established brands in the shrink film category.

Sappi announces retirement of Mike Haws and appointment of Kirk Ross as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sappi North America Kirk Ross, who currently serves as Vice President Manufacturing for Sappi North America, will succeed Mike Haws (63), who will retire in February 2027 following a distinguished 40-year career in the pulp and paper industry, including 14 years with Sappi and seven years as President and CEO of Sappi North America.

U.S. Paper Mill is preparing to resume paper manufacturing at its Chillicothe facility, with the plant’s No. 12 paper machine expected to be running again by December, the company announced. The company has begun recruiting for paper-production positions and is prioritizing former mill employees among applicants, according to the release. U.S. Paper Mill estimates the restarted operation could add up to 350 jobs over the next year. Thirteen current employees have already been assigned to prepare the No. 12 machine, nicknamed “The Chief,” for production, the company said. Once running, it will mark the first paper manufactured at the site since the plant’s closure in August 2025.

Smurfit Westrock has announced its agreement to acquire the Chilean Containerboard and Corrugated business of Empresas CMPC S.A. for $420 million, which represents a post-synergy transaction multiple of less than 6 times Adjusted EBITDA. Smurfit Westrock intends to fund the transaction using its own liquid resources. The deal includes one recycled containerboard mill (with a network of fiber collection centers), three corrugated plants, and one molded tray facility.

Valmet has been selected to supply a coated board making line, automation, and lifecycle services to a customer in Asia. The new line will produce premium-quality coated board grades and support the customer’s targets to strengthen their position as a leading producer in their field. The delivery will support the customer’s unique know-how and enable them to reach new levels of combined quality and production efficiency. The start-up of the machine is scheduled for 2028. The extensive board line order includes stock preparation and a complete board machine from headboxes to reel and winders. The consistent lifecycle performance of the machine is secured with automation, digital services, and paper machine clothing and spare parts packages. The order is included in Valmet's orders received for the third quarter of 2026. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

Finland's UPM-Kymmene and South Africa-listed Sappi are set to face an EU antitrust veto against their proposed €1.42 billion ($1.66 billion) paper joint venture after the companies declined to offer concessions to address competition concerns, people familiar with the matter said.  The companies also failed to convince regulators of the merits of their deal at a closed-door hearing earlier last week even after they argued about the sustainability and resilient impact of the deal, one of the people said. Difficulties finding a buyer for any potential asset sales mean it is not an option. Regulators, which will decide on the deal by November 11, also warned the combined entity could jack up prices.

Asia-to-U.S. container spot rates have surged more than 320% since the February Strait of Hormuz crisis, with East Coast pricing hitting $11,259 per FEU — within 11.2% of the January 2022 pandemic-era record — while West Coast rates reached $7,960; carriers are adding 6-7% more East Coast capacity in September and analysts expect another spike in early October as shippers rush exports ahead of China's Golden Week shutdown.

Sappi Europe has announced a price increase for its range of coated mechanical papers. According to the company, the increase will apply to all deliveries of coated mechanical reels (CMR) from October and prices will rise by €20/t, or the equivalent amount in local currencies.

Voith has successfully started up PM 47, a new packaging paper machine supplied to Sun Paper at its Yanzhou production site in Shandong Province, China. With a wire width of 8.66 meters and an annual design capacity of 700,000 tons, PM 47 achieved its maximum operating speed of 1,400 m/min only 10 days after start-up, making it among the fastest-running multi-fourdrinier packaging paper machines worldwide. A key component of the project is the OCC line, designed for a capacity of 2,200 tons per day, making it among the highest-capacity OCC lines in Asia.

Ohio-based Greif plans to close its Sweetwater paperboard mill in Austell, Georgia, by year’s end, in turn exiting the coated recycled paperboard market entirely. The closure will remove approximately 120,000 tons of annual production capacity. The site — which makes CRB and uncoated recycled paperboard, as well as gypsum facing and backing paper grades — dates back to Greif’s 2019 acquisition of Austell-based Caraustar Industries. But the mill has proven to have “limited integration” within Greif’s network and failed to be competitive, the company said. Greif aims to continue serving affected URB customers through the company’s broader North American mill network.

Trade (Consumer Book) Revenues Up 12.1% for Month of June, and Up 3.8% Year-to-Date The Association of American Publishers (AAP) released its StatShot report covering June 2026, reflecting reported revenue for Trade (Consumer Books), Education (combines PreK-12 Instructional Materials and Higher Education Course Materials), and Professional & Scholarly Publishing. Total revenue across all categories for June 2026 was up 11.0%

The following people have been conditionally nominated for the management team: -Jan Gustafsson, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, with responsibility for HR, Strategy, Communications, Sustainability, and Legal. He is currently Vice President, Human Resources, UPM Communication Papers.   -Marco Eikelenboom, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, with responsibility for Sales and Marketing. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of Sappi Europe SA. -Antti Hermonen, Senior Vice President, Operations, with responsibility for Operations, R&D, Energy, and Sourcing. He is currently Senior Vice President, Operations, UPM Communication Papers. -Jan-Sander van Tuijl, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain. He is currently Vice President, Supply Chain & Procurement, Sappi Europe SA.

Sappi Europe, a leading producer of high quality graphic papers, today announces a price increase of 5-7% across its full range of Woodfree Coated (WFC) papers sold in European Markets. The increase will apply to all new orders and deliveries from 12 October 2026. The adjustment is necessary to address the continued escalation of costs across the supply chain. These cost increases have placed significant pressure on the economics of paper production and require a corresponding market response to ensure sustainable operations.

The American Forest & Paper Association is calling for commercial paper and packaging recycling to be excluded from extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, arguing that these materials already move through established, privately funded recycling systems. Under the model described by AF&PA, businesses contract directly with recycling companies. The association says keeping these materials separate from household recycling reduces contamination and maintains more consistent quality, supporting their use in new paper and packaging products. AF&PA argues that businesses using these arrangements already finance their recycling services. Including their packaging in EPR programs could therefore require them to contribute to residential systems from which they receive no collection services. The association also contends that additional fees and compliance requirements could disrupt established recycling markets and ultimately increase consumer costs.

Smurfit Westrock has once again been recognized by TIME in its World’s Best Companies list. The company’s inclusion on the prestigious global listing is based on excellent scores across the following three dimensions: employee satisfaction, revenue growth and sustainability transparency. Climbing 15 places from last year’s position, the 2026 ranking reflects the company’s industry leadership and its ongoing commitment to sustainability and its workforce. Highlights from Smurfit Westrock’s 2025 Sustainability Report include the launch of its Better Planet Targets and issuance of more than $1.3 billion of green bonds. Smurfit Westrock was ranked 190 on the list and 12th in the engineering, manufacturing and medical technology category. The TIME World’s Best Companies analysis is based on an independent methodology developed by TIME and Statista.

In August 2025, Domtar broke ground on a multi-year project to modernize the Rothschild Dam near our mill in Rothschild, Wisconsin. The Rothschild Dam modernization is just one example of Domtar’s continued investment in Wisconsin, supporting the long-term future of the mill and the surrounding community.  “The Rothschild Dam modernization is important to Domtar, our community and north central Wisconsin,” says Dave Faucett, general manager, Rothschild Mill. “Along with the Nekoosa Mill, located downstream, we support an estimated 3,500 local jobs, including 750 direct employees, and generate $1 billion in annual economic impact to the local economies in Wisconsin.

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper has registered an ambitious renewable energy project with the provincial government for environmental assessment. If approved, Project Tuckamore will see the development of a 155 MW wind farm in western Newfoundland, including 22 wind turbines and associated infrastructure. For example, a transmission line will connect the wind farm to the existing substation in Massey Drive. The proposal also includes upgrades to Deer Lake Power’s facilities, road improvements, site preparation, turbine installation and the construction of electrical infrastructure. Kruger announced its plans to help revitalize Corner Brook Pulp and Paper earlier this summer.

UPM and Sappi have conditionally selected nominees for the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the planned graphic paper Joint Venture. Gunnar Eberhardt has been nominated as Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Venture. Stephen Blyth has been nominated as Chief Financial Officer of the Joint Venture. The nominations are conditional on receipt of all regulatory approvals and completion of the transaction. Gunnar Eberhardt has successfully led the UPM Communication Papers business as Executive Vice President since October 2024. Stephen Blyth was appointed as CFO of Sappi Europe SA in July 2014. Prior to this he was the Deputy Group Treasurer for Sappi International in Brussels since 2010

Hesperaloe is a desert plant native to Arizona, California, and Sonora, Mexico. Its long, slender fibers may allow it to provide strength similar to northern softwood pulp while maintaining very low fiber coarseness. The plant also grows with very little water, particularly compared with cotton, one of the thirstiest commercial crops. Its low lignin content may make pulping easier and less capital-intensive. As a result, Hesperaloe is a candidate for simpler chemical-mechanical processes that are also being explored for other non-wood fibers. The idea itself is not new. Hesperaloe first appeared in the patent literature in a 1993 James River (Georgia-Pacific) patent, followed by a 1999 pulping process developed by Hurter Consulting and North Carolina State University. What has changed is the scale of the effort to determine whether the fiber can become commercially viable. The opportunity is significant, but so is the risk. Developing Hesperaloe into a commercially viable fiber source will require breakthroughs in agriculture, processing, and supply-chain development. Kimberly-Clark’s recently announced $100 million pilot plant in Yuma, Arizona, suggests the company believes the potential is worth exploring.

As Europe looks for ways to strengthen its industrial base and competitiveness, much of the debate understandably focuses on building new industrial capacity. But retaining viable manufacturing also means enabling established industries to adapt to structural changes in demand. European demand for graphic paper has fallen by more than 60 per cent since 2007. A market of more than 40 million tonnes in 2008 had contracted to around 13 million tonnes by 2025 and is projected to reach just over eight million tonnes by 2030. This decline in demand reflects long-term structural changes in how information is consumed and distributed, driven principally by the continued shift towards digital alternatives. That scale of change presents an unavoidable question for our industry. How do we reshape a manufacturing base built for a much larger market while continuing to serve customers reliably and invest in sustainable European production? It is a question both Sappi and UPM are facing. The proposed 50/50 joint venture would bring together our graphic paper businesses in an independent company, creating a broader industrial base better able to respond to the market Europe now has.

In 2025, the U.S. recycled around 45 million tons of paper. That’s 123,000 tons every day being turned into essential products American families and businesses rely on. The U.S. paper recycling rate was 61-65%, and the cardboard recycling rate was 70-75%. Paper recycling is one of the most successful recycling systems in America. Our industry voluntarily started setting its own paper recycling goals back in the early 1990s—and we've kept raising the bar ever since.  Today, we recycle nearly 60% more paper than we did in 1990. More than 2/3 of all paper recycled in the U.S. is turned into new products at mills nationwide. Here’s where it goes: -Nearly half, or about 20 million tons, became containerboard—the material used to make cardboard boxes. -About 29% was exported. Paper mills around the world rely on it to manufacture new products. -The rest went on to make everyday essentials like cereal and medicine boxes, tissue products and printing papers.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is “greatly concerned” by interim findings regarding the deadly white liquor tank implosion in May. CSB’s investigation is still ongoing, and it’s expected to release its final report in spring 2027.  The agency said in Friday’s update that it found NDP conducted two additional tank inspections, in October 2025 and February 2026, confirming the July 2025 conclusion that substantial portions of the tank’s shell were below the calculated minimum safe thickness. But NDP “still did not internally inspect or repair the tank shell, remove it from service, or reduce its operating conditions before it failed,” CSB said. “Although the CSB’s investigation is still ongoing, we are greatly concerned that the tank was not promptly removed from service or properly repaired after the clear findings in the inspection report,” said CSB Chair Steve Owens in the update. CSB members say they’re also investigating why NDP left the tank in service without repairing it or reducing its operations.

Port Hawkesbury Paper announces the release of its 2025 Sustainability Report, which details a year of meaningful progress across safety, clean energy, environmental accountability, and community investment. The report highlights PHP's activities and accomplishments through 2025, underscoring the company's continued dedication to safety, sustainability, and long-term value for its customers, partners, employees, and the broader Nova Scotia community. download a copy of the report here: https://www.porthawkesburypaper.com/images/documents/ph-sustainability-brochure-2025-single-web-071426-reduced.pdf

Rayonier Advanced Materials said it plans to temporarily halt operations at its Témiscaming industrial complex in Quebec on Sept. 15 for an undetermined period, affecting approximately 400 unionized workers. Managers and other employees will also be affected, while contractors, suppliers, transportation companies and forestry businesses connected to the facility could face broader economic repercussions. The temporary economic shutdown will cover all remaining activities at the site except the wastewater treatment plant and Boiler No. 4, which will continue operating. RYAM has not provided a timetable for restarting production. The decision followed the imposition of additional U.S. tariffs of 50% on certain Canadian goods on Aug. 22. RYAM said the new duties compounded persistent pulp and paper market pressures, leaving the site without an economically viable path to continue operating.

UPM announced that as part of the merger control approval process for the planned graphic paper Joint Venture between UPM and Sappi, the European Commission has issued a Statement of Objections. In a press release, UPM said, "The adoption of a Statement of Objections (SO) is a customary step during an in-depth merger investigation by the European Commission. In the SO, the Commission has provided more details on its preliminary concerns. Together with Sappi, UPM is reviewing the SO carefully and will respond in due course. UPM is confident that it will be able to respond fully to the Commission's preliminary concerns.

The European Commission (EC) has issued a Statement of Objections (SO) as part of the merger control approval process for the planned graphic paper joint venture between UPM and Sappi and warned that the deal could restrict competition. The EC said its preliminary view was that the proposed joint venture “may restrict competition in the markets for different types of communication paper”. “In particular, the Commission is concerned that the joint venture would be able to increase prices and that customers would have less choice as a result of the transaction,” it further stated. The EC opened its investigation in late April to assess if the transaction would allow UPM and Sappi to reduce competition for certain communication papers, specifically in the markets for magazine paper and coated woodfree paper in the European Economic Area (EEA), UK and Switzerland. It explained: “The Commission conducted a wide-ranging investigation to understand the affected markets and the potential impact of the transaction. This investigation has included, among others, the analysis of internal documents provided by the parties and the gathering of views and data from competitors and customers. “As a result of this in-depth investigation, the Commission is concerned that the joint venture between UPM and Sappi would acquire market power allowing it to increase prices and decrease quality to the detriment of its customers for coated mechanical paper, a type of magazine paper, and for coated woodfree paper. “The Commission is currently unconvinced that integrating the relevant activities in the joint venture would bring enough benefits – in terms of cost savings or environmental or resilience improvements – to offset the potential harm.”