Billerud has decided to launch a cost saving program targeting annualized savings of SEK 800 million. The planned cost savings will affect Billerud’s European operations and Group functions globally and will include reduction of up to 650 positions. Due to the weakened market conditions in Europe, which has resulted in a negative profit trend, Billerud has decided to launch a cost saving program targeting annualized savings of SEK 800 million. The planned cost saving program is expected to have a noticeable positive impact from the first quarter of 2026, and to reach full effect at the end of 2026.

At our site in Schwedt/Oder, we are building a new, innovative straw fibre production plant together with our partner OutNature, a brand of PreZero (Schwarz Group). This marks an important milestone for sustainable paper production and opens up exciting prospects for the future. Straw offers a number of advantages as a raw material for fibre production. As a by-product of agricultural grain processing, it does not require any additional cultivation areas. Furthermore, cultivation in Germany contributes to short transport routes, which reduces emissions. Straw fibres make it possible to dispense with fresh wood fibres and, thanks to their excellent strength properties, contribute to the production of comparable paper qualities. LEIPA plans to use straw fibres in combination with waste paper at its Schwedt/Oder site. We currently process over one million tonnes of waste paper per year in Schwedt to produce various types of paper for packaging and graphic applications. The core of the straw fibre production plant consists of a BioTrac plant from Valmet. Test results show that the strength properties of straw fibres significantly exceed those of waste paper, which is an exciting development.

UPM Communication Papers is expanding its logistics presence in the United States through a renewed shipping partnership and new port operations. Starting next year, UPM will continue its long-term freight agreement with Dutch shipping company Spliethoff, maintaining regular shipments from Europe to Jacksonville, Florida. A new port contract with Enstructure, effective this autumn, will additionally enable deliveries to Wilmington, Delaware. "These agreements reflect our strong commitment to the North American market and reinforce our promise to deliver reliable and efficient service to our customers across the region," says Gunnar Eberhardt, Executive Vice President, UPM Communication Papers. On January 1, 2026, UPM will renew its long-standing collaboration with Spliethoff, one of Europe’s largest and most experienced shipping companies. For over 25 years, Spliethoff has reliably transported a broad range of UPM business area offerings - including products from UPM Communication Papers, Specialty Papers, Plywood, and Fibres - from Europe to global markets.

Michelman, Cincinnati, Ohio, is expanding its DigiPrime® Vision series with a newly developed primer designed to support pressure-sensitive label applications on HP Indigo 6K and 8K Digital Presses. This latest addition reflects Michelman’s ongoing commitment to innovation and responsiveness to evolving customer needs. Engineered to enhance operational flexibility, the primer demonstrates improved runnability, a broader operating window and simplified maintenance—while maintaining the trusted substrate compatibility and performance standards of the DigiPrime family. “Our development efforts have focused on delivering a solution that aligns with the practical demands of press operators and converters,” said Lisa DiGate, vice president, Global Digital Printing at Michelman. “We’re looking forward to engaging with customers through expanded field trials to validate performance across diverse production environments.” Michelman’s portfolio of water-based, PFAS-free primers supports a wide range of HP Indigo Digital Presses, from the 6K to the 200K and V12. Like its predecessors, the new primer is designed with sustainability and compliance in mind, including suitability for food contact applications and compatibility with recycling processes.

On Sept. 10, 2025, Voith broke ground on a multi-million-dollar project that will expand and modernize its roll service center in West Monroe, Louisiana – adding more than 20 new jobs and supporting the local economy. In addition to expanding capacity, the investment into the facility will enhance logistical processes, supporting a faster and more seamless service experience for Voith customers. The size of the roll service center will increase by almost 50% – adding workspace as well as a dedicated training center to support the critical hands-on training of skilled trade experts in the industry. The Voith facility offers a wide variety of roll services for customers who are in the papermaking industry. Services offered include operations and optimization of products; mechanical roll services such as rebuilds, grinding, balance and vibration analysis; roll coverings; roll and part replacements, as well as spreader roll rebuilds and repairs.

The American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) announced that on September 5, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) making changes to EO 14257 from April. The new EO outlines what products and materials can enter the U.S. duty-free (zero percent tariffs). Three wood pulp tariff codes were added to the list. Pursuant to this new EO, imported wood pulp will come into the U.S. duty-free — an important development in the long-term trade and tariff policy discussion. This new list is meant to capture products and materials that are not produced in the U.S. — or not produced at scale. AF&PA has continuously made this argument for specific kinds of wood pulp, such as bleached eucalyptus kraft or BEK. What's Next? The EO also added a variety of items to Annex III, which will act as a 'potential' list of items that could be added to the duty-free list in the future, depending on trade talks. Importantly, this new EO also delegates authority to add items to the duty-free list to USTR and Commerce.

Voith, the leading full-line supplier, has successfully completed the PM 6 rebuild project for Stora Enso in the northern-most university city in Europe, Oulu in northern Finland. The modernized plant will now achieve an impressive annual capacity of 750,000 tons of high-quality folding boxboard and coated kraft back (CKB), at a wire width of 9,000 mm. It was important to Stora Enso that the rebuilt line offers optimal production efficiency while also meeting the highest environmental standards, in particular with regard to excellent heat recovery.  “Thanks to Voith Paper’s expertise, we are now able to produce an impressive 750,000 tons of high-quality coated primary fibre board,” said Matti Lielahti, Mill Manager at Stora Enso in Oulu.

Perdue Hill, Ala. - Georgia-Pacific announced a new capital project for the company’s Alabama River Cellulose mill in Perdue Hill, Alabama. The $800 million investment will modernize, expand and streamline the facility’s production capabilities. The project, scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 and conclude in 2027, will enhance and expand essential manufacturing equipment. This is expected to augment the mill’s operational efficiency and increase its production capacity by about 300 tons per day. Close to one million tons of fluff and market pulps will be produced yearly at the mill. A state-of-the-art digester, new pulp dryer and a more efficient power boiler will be installed. Modifications and upgrades will also be made to the brown stock washing and recausticizing systems, recovery boiler, evaporators and lime kiln. Once the project is completed, the Alabama River Cellulose mill will be the largest and one of the most technologically advanced softwood pulp mills in the U.S.

Over the last year, International Paper has conspicuously undergone a business overhaul under the guidance of CEO Andy Silvernail, who launched the streamlining initiative shortly after taking the top role in May 2024. Silvernail dug into what’s behind the changes, and the differences between the United States and European markets, during a Sept. 4 session at the Jefferies Industrials Conference. IP launched the 80/20 optimization plan in 2024, prompting series of changes. “It’s actually kind of breathtaking when you look at the number of actions that we have taken and the impact that we’ve had,” Silvernail said. As a recent example of the numerous adjustments, Silvernail cited the three announcements that IP simultaneously made on Aug. 21: the sale of its global cellulose fibers business to private equity firm American Industrial Partners for $1.5 billion; the closure of four sites in Georgia, including two mills, that will affect 1,100 hourly and salaried employees; and investing $250 million to convert the No. 16 machine at the Riverdale mill in Selma, Alabama, to produce containerboard instead of uncoated freesheet. The Savannah and Riceboro containerboard mills in Georgia are “aged or strategically inferior assets. And in our business, strategically inferior assets are simply a problem” with “terrible returns on capital,” he said. Keeping Savannah open would have required major repairs with a cost of roughly $300 million, and still that wouldn’t have produced the desired returns down the line, Silvernail said. Instead, the $250 million investment in Riverdale is not only cheaper on the front end but also will have notably better returns, he explained.

Pixelle Specialty Solutions, the owner of the Spring Grove paper mill, announced the appointment of Julie Schertell as the company's new CEO, according to a release. Schertell was appointed to replace former Pixelle CEO Ross Bushnell, who the company said had stepped down to "pursue new opportunities." Bushnell had been CEO since 2023, according to prior releases. In the release, the company shared that Schertell had most recently served as president and CEO of Mativ Holdings, and has more than 30 years of operational and commercial experience. Schertell had led a merger of Neenah Inc., where she previously served as president and CEO, which merged with Schweitzer Mauduit International and resulted in the creation of Mativ Holdings, according to the release.  The Spring Grove papermill became part of Pixelle Specialty Solutions in August of 2018 during a $360 million sale from P.H. Glatfelter to private equity firm Lindsay Goldberg. Pixelle Specialty Solutions is an affiliate of Lindsay Goldberg, and took over operation at Glatfelter's facilities during the sale. The Spring Grove paper mill itself dates to 1852, originally founded as the Spring Forge Paper Mill within a former iron forge, which had given the town its original name: Spring Forge. In 1863, local entrepreneur Philip H. Glatfelter purchased the Spring Forge Paper Mill at an orphan’s court sale for just $14,000. In the years that followed, the town would be renamed from Spring Forge to Spring Grove.

The milestone, achieved on September 4, 2025, further consolidates the site’s role as the company’s largest and most important production hub worldwide. The new Valmet DCT 200 machine adds 70,000 tons of annual capacity, bringing Circleville’s total output to more than 200,000 tons per year. With this expansion, Sofidel’s global production capacity rises to 1,983,000 tons annually. The $185 million investment, first announced in 2023, included both the construction of the new building and installation of the state-of-the-art machine. Once fully operational, the project will also create approximately 80 additional jobs, strengthening Sofidel’s contribution to the local economy. The successful startup of our third paper machine in Circleville represents a significant step forward in Sofidel’s growth strategy. This achievement reflects both the strength of our U.S. operations and the dedication of the teams who made it possible. With this expansion, Sofidel reaffirms its long-term commitment to serving the North American market with high-quality, sustainable tissue products while supporting local communities.

While the pulp and paper industry is inherently local—particularly in terms of production and sourcing of raw materials—trade is fundamentally cross-border and international. As a result, the sector is highly exposed to trade barriers and tensions, such as those created by the tariff policies introduced during the Trump administration. Tariffs are expected to put significant pressure on transportation and logistics—sectors that are intrinsically linked to the pulp and paper industry. This strain is partly mitigated by the fact that many pulp and paper companies have made substantial investments in overseas production capacity. Recent mergers in the industry, such as the Smurfit Kappa–WestRock merger and the International Paper–DS Smith merger, are also likely to offset some of the negative impacts of tariffs. These newly formed giants now operate production facilities in both Europe and the US. Both of these multi-billion dollar transactions took place in 2024. Other companies, such as Sweden's Billerud, have established a transatlantic presence. Billerud acquired US-based Verso some years ago, securing production capabilities on both sides of the Atlantic. Mergers and acquisitions are reshaping the global pulp and paper landscape, and in an era of looming trade wars and frequent supply chain disruptions, scale can become a competitive advantage. This consolidation trend may render the pulp and paper industry more resilient than other, more fragmented sectors dominated by smaller players as well as industries depending on input of strategical materials.

During the seven years of transformation since Graphic Packaging International acquired International Paper’s consumer packaging business, the company has worked to become the king of cups — an ongoing growth driver for GPI. The company didn’t have a food service business segment prior to that 2018 deal, but has since become “the number one player in paper cups” and manufactures about 30% of North America’s supply, said CEO Mike Doss during a presentation at the Jefferies Industrials Conference As GPI has leaned into the paper cups sector, it was instrumental in getting the Recycled Materials Association to add paper cups to its materials specifications list this year to boost recycling acceptance. The company also has helped customers develop various paper cup solutions as alternatives to plastic, including at restaurant chains Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s, and in the CPG space, for Nissin Cup Noodles. Despite customers’ economic challenges in key markets such as food service the last several quarters, “the last two years, our business has been up pretty substantially. And the reason for that is we’ve been replacing plastic and foam, in terms of cups,” Doss said.

The reduction represents about 12% of its normal operating capacity. The curtailments will apply to all of Interfor’s Canadian and U.S. operations, each expected to reduce output by roughly 12%. Measures include fewer operating hours, extended holiday breaks, reconfigured shift schedules, and longer maintenance shutdowns. The company said the move comes in response to persistently weak market conditions and ongoing economic uncertainty. Interfor noted it will continue to monitor market trends and adjust production as needed. With an annual capacity of about 4.7 billion board feet, Interfor is among North America’s largest lumber producers, supplying a broad range of products to customers worldwide.

Twin Rivers Paper Company, a leading producer of specialty paper products, proudly marks a century of papermaking, operational excellence, product innovation, and a strong commitment to the communities where it operates. The company’s papermaking legacy began in 1925 when inaugural tons of paper rolled off two machines at the Madawaska mill in northern Maine. Today, Twin Rivers’ footprint encompasses seven paper machines across four operating sites – its flagship mill in Madawaska, three specialty mills in upstate New York, and an integrated pulp mill in Edmundston, New Brunswick. Known for its lightweight expertise and a highly engineered portfolio of packaging, technical, publishing and label papers, Twin Rivers produces 400,000 tons of specialty papers annually. The company’s Madawaska mill operates four paper machines producing more than 340,000 tons of specialty papers essential to consumers and diverse market sectors, including oil- and grease-resistant food packaging, coated-one-side (C1S) packaging, lightweight opaque (LWO) publishing grades, pharmaceutical papers, release liners, and thermal transfer label base papers. Twin Rivers acquired Burrows Paper Corp. in 2016, adding three mills in upstate New York: Mill Street, Mohawk Valley, and Lyons Falls. Burrows Paper’s legacy dates back to 1919, when it began as a one-mill, two-machine papermaking company in Little Falls, NY. Today, the New York mills specialize in waxing, laminating, and extruding base papers, battery pasting papers, medical papers, filtration papers, and hydroentangling grades.

Greif completed the divestiture of its containerboard business to Packaging Corporation of America for $1.8 billion in cash, the companies announced after markets closed Tuesday afternoon. The transaction itself closed on Sunday, according to a securities filing. “The closing of this sale marks an important step forward for Greif,” Greif President and CEO Ole Rosgaard said in a statement. “This transaction unlocks immediate value for our shareholders and allows Greif to deliver stronger and more consistent earnings power, enhances our capital efficiency, and accelerates debt reduction.” The company plans to use proceeds from the sale to pay down approximately $1.4 billion in debt, according to another securities filing.

Cost-cutting results: Greif is about nine months into its plan to cut $100 million in costs through 2027. Looking at business transformation and cost reduction, “at times that work can be uncomfortable. What our people know is that is how the company grows, moves from good to great, and ultimately creates shareholder value,” said CEO Ole Rosgaard on Thursday’s fiscal third-quarter earnings call. Financial results: Despite cautious consumer sentiment and a macroeconomy that is “not robust,” Rosgaard said that “from a big picture point of view, our volume performance clearly shows our strategy is working,” alluding to last year’s business unit reorganization to create four material-based sectors. Quarterly sales in the polymers unit, a new focus area for Greif, rose nearly 8% year over year, while sales for metals dipped 5.7% and fiber dropped 5.4%. Divestitures update: Greif’s containerboard business sale to Packaging Corporation of America is slated to close by the end of August; the companies previously said they anticipated a close by the end of the third quarter of the calendar year, Sept. 30. Meanwhile, the divestiture of Greif’s timberlands to Molpus Woodlands Group is scheduled to close Oct. 1, Rosgaard said. That’s a day later than originally planned to save $13 million in taxes, said CFO Larry Hilsheimer. Collectively, these divestitures “sharpen our portfolio to concentrate our efforts” on markets where the company has the most potential for growth and a competitive advantage, Rosgaard said.

North American printing and writing paper demand declined by 6.5% to 719,000 tons in July, down 6.5% year over year according to the Pulp and Paper Products Council. Uncoated Freesheet operating rate stood at 80% down from 85% a year ago. And Coated Free Sheet operating rate rose to 85% up from 77% last July.

International Paper announced plans to convert the No. 16 paper machine at its Riverdale mill in Selma, Alabama, to produce containerboard by the third quarter of 2026. The mill currently supplies us with approximately 260,000 short tons of cutsize uncoated freesheet annually from the machine through a supply agreement. The Riverdale supply agreement is not part of our long-term strategy, and we have been planning for this conversion since our 2021 spinoff. Based on our current assumptions for optimizing operations, mix and paper supply, the Adj. EBITDA impact in 2026 from the loss of Riverdale volume is estimated to be ~$30 million, at current margins.

Valmet is to supply two fine papermaking lines with related automation systems and services to a customer in China. The papermaking lines will produce uncoated woodfree grades and start-ups are scheduled from late 2026 to early 2027. Valmet has previously delivered multiple other technologies such as complete paper and board making lines to the same customer. The orders were included in Valmet's orders received of the second quarter 2025. The value of the orders will not be disclosed. “Both new, wide, high-speed paper machines feature some of the most advanced technologies available on the market, ensuring high capacity and performance. These orders are very important to us and indicate that the technologies we have delivered to the same customer before have performed well. This is a highly significant customer, as well as a strategic partner for Valmet in China.

International Paper has reached a definitive agreement with American Industrial Partners (AIP) to sell its Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF) business for $1.5 billion, subject to closing adjustments, including the issuance of preferred stock with an aggregate initial liquidation preference of $190 million. The Company previously announced the decision to review strategic alternatives for its GCF business last fall, as part of the Company's strategy to focus on sustainable packaging solutions. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approvals.  The GCF business creates safe, high-quality pulp for a wide range of applications like towel and tissue products, diapers, feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. In addition, its specialty pulp serves as a sustainable raw material used in construction materials, paints, coatings and more. GCF generated $2.8 billion in revenue in 2024 and has 3,300 employees globally, with nine manufacturing facilities and eight regional offices. Strategic changes to Packaging Solutions business in North America International Paper's packaging business in North America has initiated a number of actions to enhance its ability to serve and grow with customers while improving its manufacturing footprint, including: Investment of $250 million to convert the #16 machine at the Riverdale mill in Selma, Ala. to produce containerboard The permanent closure of the Savannah, Ga. containerboard mill, the Savannah, Ga. packaging facility, Riceboro containerboard mill and Riceboro Timber and Lumber These changes will impact approximately 1,100 hourly and salaried positions. International Paper is committed to supporting affected employees through this transition. The Riverdale conversion is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026. The Riceboro and Savannah mills will shut down in phases by the end of September 2025, and the Savannah packaging facility will also cease operations by the end of September. These combined changes will result in a net reduction of the company's annual containerboard capacity by approximately one million tons.

Novolex is shutting down a former Pactiv Evergreen plant in Bakersfield, California, according to a WARN notice posted by the state. The company is permanently closing the manufacturing facility come Oct. 14, impacting 127 employees. The news follows Novolex completing its $6.7 billion acquisition of Pactiv Evergreen in April, which took the purchased company private. Novolex is majority-held by private equity firm Apollo Funds and manufactures food, beverage and specialty packaging, primarily focused on fiber and plastic substrates.

Metsä Board, a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards, will begin the installation phase of a major board machine modernisation at its Simpele mill this September as part of a €60 million investment programme. The investment will elevate the quality of the flagship folding boxboard grade MetsäBoard Classic FBB and accelerate the mill’s transition toward fossil-free production. The renewed MetsäBoard Classic FBB will feature curtain coating technology, resulting in an improved print surface and enhanced visual quality. This innovation enables more consistent print results and sharper details, especially in demanding packaging applications. Currently, 89% of the energy used in production at the Simpele mill is fossil-free. With the implementation of new technologies, this figure is expected to rise to 98% by the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone in Metsä Board’s journey toward fossil-free production and supporting customers’ increasingly ambitious sustainability goals.

Seaman Paper is proud to announce the launch of SatinWrap® Floral, a premium extension of its popular SatinWrap® product line, designed specifically for florists and floral packaging distributors. This new line features 14 premium in-stock colors and 6 curated print & color assortments, combining style and performance to protect floral arrangements while elevating brand presentation. "With SatinWrap® Floral, we’re making it even easier for florists and distributors to access high-quality, moisture-resistant waxed tissue paper that looks as beautiful as the flowers it protects,

Sappi North America and Valmet celebrated the successful start-up of the rebuilt paper machine 2 (PM 2) at the Somerset paper manufacturing facility in Skowhegan, Maine, USA. The machine produced its first roll of solid bleached sulphate (SBS) board, marking a key milestone in Sappi’s strategic transition to packaging grades. "Following the success of Project Balance, the PM 1 rebuild project in 2018, we did it again with Project Elevate. The sustainable conversion of PM 2 has transformed it into a modern state-of-the-art board machine. This achievement is a testament to excellent collaboration and incredible teamwork. We are grateful to the entire Somerset team, our valuable partners, and all the Valmeteers involved for their hard work on a complex project,” adds Tuomo Rämö, Project Manager, Valmet. Technical information about the delivery Valmet’s delivery included a rebuild of the wet end with a new OptiPress Linear press section, modifications and extension of the dryer section, and a new finishing section. The finishing section was equipped with the OptiSizer Film size press, two OptiCoat Roll coating heads, OptiDry Coat air dryers, OptiCalender Hard calender, OptiReel Linear reel, and the OptiWin Belt winder.

Fastmarkets reports that Kruger has temporarily stopped operations at its Corner Brook pulp and paper mill in Newfoundland and Labrador, eastern Canada, due to wildfire emergency measures introduced by provincial authorities in areas facing very high and extreme fire risk. The company suspended its Corner Brook forest operations on Saturday August 9 and stopped pulp and paper mill operations on August 15 owing to limited . Kruger expects the mill to be closed until the end of August or beginning of September. The mill is a newsprint producer with 230,000 tonnes per year of capacity that primarily serves customers in Europe and Asia.

The largest and most modern consumer packaging board production line in Europe was inaugurated on 18 August in Oulu, Finland. The new line was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo, Chair of Stora Enso’s Board of Directors Kari Jordan, President and CEO of Stora Enso Hans Sohlström, and Oulu mill’s Chief Shop Steward Olli-Pekka Kaikkonen. Stora Enso's Oulu unit serves the growing demand for renewable packaging globally and contributes to the transition to a circular bioeconomy. At the same time, the production site supports Finland's competitiveness and increases exports with products of higher added value. Stora Enso has invested EUR 1.1 billion in the now inaugurated production line together with other developments on the site area, amounting to a total of approximately 1.7 billion investment in the entire Oulu mill in 2019–2025. The investments have made it possible to convert former paper machines into board lines utilising the latest technology, while the environmental impact has been reduced by cutting fossil carbon dioxide emissions by 90%. The mill produces folding boxboard, kraftliners, paper bag material, and unbleached softwood pulp. Board materials are suitable for direct contact with food. Almost all of the Oulu mill’s production is exported.

Solenis, a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions, is exhibiting at two key industry tradeshows, where it will highlight technology to enable paperization through chemistry for sustainable packaging. The company will be exhibiting at FACHPACK in Nuremberg, Germany, Sept. 23-25, and at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Flexographic applied barrier coatings: Packaging producers can apply these eco-friendly, high-performance barrier coatings directly to cupstock board, flexible packaging, flat sheet paper and liners for corrugated using standard flexographic equipment during the printing process. Developed in conjunction with HEIDELBERG, this cost-effective process eliminates the need for separate offline coating steps while reducing the use of plastic-based coatings or wax treatments. PHA-based coatings: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) coatings, which are made with biodegradable bioplastic, replace petroleum-based options. Made to work with flexographic and extrusion processes, the water-based solutions degrade in both marine and fresh water and are home compostable. TopScreenTM cupstock barrier coatings: These eco-friendly coatings replace PE lamination on single-use and short-duration cupstock. Applied with standard coating and cup-forming equipment, they deliver the same performance and printability as traditional barrier coatings. ContourSM technology for molded pulp: Oil and grease resistant, Contour is formulated for molded pulp plates, bowls, tubs and trays in low- to mid-temperature applications. This technology offers a cost-competitive, easy-to-implement solution without intentionally added PFAS.

Fastmarkets reports that UPM Adhesive Materials is planning to close its Fletcher, North Carolina, label facility in the second quarter of 2026, and transfer all orders from the Fletcher plant to its Mills River facility, where production will be upgraded and increased significantly. The company is investing in new proprietary coating technology at the Mills River factory which enables it to increase capacity.

In many Western countries, throwing away leftovers or discarding food with minor imperfections has become the norm. Yet, with more than 700 million people facing hunger globally and food insecurity rising, this waste is something we can no longer ignore1. The urgency of the issue is further highlighted by ongoing supply chain disruptions and economic instability. Food waste campaigner Tristram Stuart has said, “Cutting food waste is a delicious way of saving money, helping to feed the world and protect the planet.” 2 He’s right—addressing food waste is critical for people, the planet, and business. It is shocking that 1.3 billion tonnes of food are lost or wasted each year—enough to feed two billion people.1 In regions like Europe, nearly half of food waste occurs at the consumer level, whereas in developing countries, a significant proportion is lost post-harvest due to inadequate storage and poor packaging. Whether at the farm, in transit, or on supermarket shelves, food waste means wasted resources—water, energy, land, and capital. The Role of Packaging in Reducing Food Waste At Mondi, we believe sustainable packaging can play a key role in tackling food waste. Smart packaging solutions help protect food during transport and storage, extending shelf life and preventing spoilage.

Bain Capital weighs IPO or sale of Ahlstrom at up to €8B, targeting ESG-focused investors via Amsterdam amid rising demand for sustainable industrial assets. Bain Capital is weighing a dual-track exit for Ahlstrom, the Finnish specialty materials company it acquired in 2022. The two options on the table: a public listing in Amsterdam or a strategic private sale. The potential valuation of the business in either scenario is estimated between €7 billion and €8 billion, signaling a substantial return on Bain’s earlier investment. Ahlstrom, known for producing sustainable fiber-based materials used in filtration, medical, packaging, and industrial applications, is currently preparing IPO groundwork with Rothschild & Co, while Morgan Stanley is reportedly assessing potential sale routes.

Sappi Europe today announced the initiation of a consultation process at its Kirkniemi Mill in Finland as part of a proposed asset restructure. This step is being taken in response to a structural decline in demand across Europe and sustained financial challenges. The proposed changes are intended to ensure long term competitiveness in the Graphic Paper Market and align production capacity with changing market dynamics and customer needs. Sappi Europe has today announced the potential closure of Paper Machine 2 at its Kirkniemi Mill in Lohja, Finland. If implemented, this step would reduce the mill’s annual capacity of coated magazine paper by 175,000 tonnes. The proposed asset closure is part of Sappi’s strategy to align capacity with market demand and improve operational efficiency with paper machines 1 and 3 remaining in operation. The process would be carefully managed to ensure continuity of supply with no disruption to customers. The biggest coated publication paper mill in the world, Kirkniemi Mill has a production capacity of 750,000 tons of coated paper for heatset web offset printing serving mainly the high-volume print market. A major investment to convert on-site power generation to biofuels eliminated 90% of the mill’s direct, Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.

The closure of Pixelle Specialty Solutions’ paper mill in Chillicothe, Ohio, has delivered a major blow to the state’s logging sector. After nearly 200 years in operation, the mill permanently ceased production on Sunday, following an April announcement of its shutdown. Employing more than 800 people, the facility was Ohio’s largest purchaser of low-grade timber, consuming over 600,000 tons of wood fiber annually. Its absence will significantly affect small, family-run logging operations, many of which depended on the mill for most of their business. The loss is expected to have ripple effects across Ohio’s $1.1 billion forestry economy, prompting industry leaders to seek new markets and potential replacements for the mill’s capacity.

Smurfit Westrock is closing a facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filed with the state this week. The site produces “corrugated packaging such as standard cases, boxes and trays suitable for all industries,” Smurfit Westrock said on its website. Production will move to other facilities in Smurfit Westrock’s network, according to Robby Johnson, director of external communications for North America. The shutdown will affect 100 employees, the company reported. Layoffs are slated for Oct. 4, according to the notice, and closing activities will be complete by mid-October. Outplacement assistance will be available for impacted employees and eligible employees may apply for open positions within the company, Johnson said. Smurfit Westrock recently celebrated its one-year anniversary following the combination of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock. On a second-quarter earnings call last week, CEO Tony Smurfit said the company would “continue to optimize our system through the elimination of non-strategic or inefficient assets,” as it targets eliminating 600,000 tons of capacity.

Trioworld Group, a global leading producer of innovative high-performance flexible films, is thrilled to announce the opening of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, strategically located to enhance service and production capabilities across North America. This major investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. The new facility, set to open in Brownsburg, Indiana this fall, will provide greater flexibility in meeting the growing demand from US customers. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and sustainable production practices, the plant is expected to eventually double Trioworld’s North American production capacity, create an initial 33 new jobs and serve as a hub for innovation and efficiency.

Billerud, Sappi and UPM sent letters this week announcing tariff related price increases on paper and board coming from Europe. There were varying degrees of increases. Check with your MIDLAND sales representatives for details.

Greif, Inc. a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Molpus Woodlands Group, on behalf of clients, to sell its Soterra land management business for $462 million. This transaction, which includes over 173,000 acres of timberlands across the Southeastern United States, follows Greif’s previously announced intent to divest the business as part of its strategic portfolio optimization. The deal is expected to close shortly before or after the Company’s fiscal year end, subject to customary closing conditions. “The sale of the Soterra timberlands aligns with our strategy to focus our portfolio on opportunities where Greif can be an industry leader,” said Ole Rosgaard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Greif. “This transaction enhances our ability to invest in higher-margin, less cyclical markets, and positions Greif for further long-term success and value creation.” “These timberlands seamlessly complement our existing portfolio, offering diverse, highly productive assets strategically located near robust timber markets with strong, competitive pricing,” said Terrell Winstead, President and CEO of Molpus. “With our long history of creating value for similar properties in these areas, we believe this opportunity fits well within our long-term investment strategy and sustainable forest management approach.” Cash proceeds from the sale will be allocated to debt repayment.