Korea Paper Association Chair Urges AI and Eco Materials to Boost Industry Growth

The Korea Paper Manufacturers Association held its 2026 paper and pulp industry New Year's gathering at The Riverside Hotel in Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu, on January 7. Approximately 100 attendees, including key executives from domestic paper companies and representatives from related organizations and academia, participated in the event. Notable figures included Vice Chair Jeong Yeon-su of Ajin P&P, Vice Chair Gwon Taek-hwan of Shindaeyang Paper, President Lee Do-gyun of Moorim Group, President Han Gyeong-rok of Hansol Paper, President Lee Dong-yeol of KleanNara, President Sim Cheol-sik of Jeonju Paper, President Yu Seung-hwan of Asia Paper, President Moon Seong-un of Papercorea, and CEO Jeong Dong-ha of Tailim Paper.​

Participants pledged unity and cooperation across the industry while expressing hopes for significant advancement in the Year of Byeongo. In his New Year's address, Chair Choi Hyeon-su of the Korea Paper Manufacturers Association described last year as a challenging period marked by global economic uncertainty, high interest rates, and intensified tariff barriers.​

Choi outlined "establishing a foundation for sustainable growth" as the top priority for 2026, highlighting four key tasks: maximizing efficiency across all processes using AI and data; expanding paper's value through development of eco-friendly new materials; advancing as core infrastructure of the circular economy; and embedding a culture prioritizing safety management. He emphasized the industry's high recycling rates, positioning it as a key pillar in national resource circulation and energy policy by converting waste resources into energy.​

Choi concluded, "Let's make this a year when the industry, with one heart, proves 'value beyond paper'".​