Pulp & Paper Chronicle Executive Industry Intelligence Report June 2026 | Weekly Edition 4

Introduction

The global pulp and paper industry continued to demonstrate resilience and strategic momentum this week, with companies advancing major capacity expansions, accelerating sustainability initiatives, introducing next-generation fiber-based technologies, and strengthening their competitive positions through partnerships and modernization projects. At the same time, selective mill closures, restructuring activities, and market pricing adjustments reflected the industry's ongoing response to evolving economic conditions and changing customer demand.

This week's edition of Pulp & Paper Chronicle brings together the most significant developments from across the global industry, highlighting investments, technological innovation, sustainability achievements, corporate developments, and key market movements shaping the future of pulp, paper, packaging, and tissue manufacturing.

🏗️ Investments, Expansions & New Projects

• Nine Dragons Paper Nears Completion of 60,000-Ton Specialty Paper Expansion Project at Leshan Base

• ABB to Supply Drive System for Guangxi Jianhui's Planned Large-Scale Paper Production Line

• Hébert Group and ANDRITZ Pioneer Dry Molded Fiber

• First Serial Yangi Cellera Dry Forming Platform Operational at Customer Production Site

• Rockwell Capital Suspends Krasnoyarsk Pulp and Paper Mill Project Citing High Logistics Costs

• Bohui Paper Announces Public Consultation for 500,000-Tonne Chemical Wood Pulp Project

• Jardin Corrugated Relocates to New 140,000-Square-Foot Manufacturing Facility

• The Saica Group is Accelerating the Decarbonisation of its Nogent-sur-Seine Site with the Commissioning of a New Biomass Boiler

🛑 Shutdowns, Closures & Curtailments

• KAMA Completes Major Mill Shutdown With More Than 1,700 Maintenance and Modernization Jobs

• Smurfit Westrock to Close Lebanon, Tennessee Facility; 52 Employees Affected

• German Cartonboard Producer Baiersbronn Frischfaser Karton Files for Insolvency

🤝 M&A, Partnerships & Joint Ventures

• EOS Corrugated Group Acquires Stake in Stafford Corrugated Products to Expand U.S. Presence

• UPM and ANDRITZ Partner to Advance Tailored Tissue Innovation

📈 Price Changes & Market Pricing

• Golden Phoenix, Hubei Rongcheng, Jiangsu Jintian and Other Chinese Paper Producers Raise Packaging Paper Prices

📊 Financial Results & Market Performance

• Smurfit Westrock Announces the Completion of Delisting from the LSE

🌱 Sustainability & Circular Economy

• Valmet Expands Bioneer Portfolio with Dryer Fabrics Designed to Reduce Carbon Footprint

🚀 Products & Innovation

• Mais Papéis Enters Double-Ply Tissue Segment With Valmet Perini X3 Conversion Line

• Valmet's New Technology Introduces a New Type of Tissue That Has Fabric-Like Strength and Softness

• Voith Launches PluraMaze to Reduce Energy Consumption in Refining with Proven Customer Benefits

👥 Leadership & Corporate Updates

• Lecta Completes Restructuring and Recapitalization, Launches Independent Business Units

• Global Cellulose Fibers Announces CEO Transition

• Södra Appoints Cecilia Karlsson as New CFO

🔥 Incidents, Safety & Environmental Event

• U.S. Chemical Safety Board Begins Investigation Into Fatal Nippon Dynawave Tank Failure

🏛️ Policy, Regulation & Trade

• India Launches Anti-Dumping Investigations Into Thermal Paper, BOPA Film and Antioxidant Imports

🏆 Awards, Certifications & Recognition

• Oji Holdings Selected for SOMPO Sustainability Index for Eighth Consecutive Year

• MM Group Named Among TIME's World's Most Sustainable Companies 2026

• Huhtamaki Recognized on TIME and Statista's World's Most Sustainable Companies List

🎪 Events, Conferences & Exhibitions

• ProPaper Nigeria 2026 Opens Amidst $8.96 Billion Tissue Boom and African Packaging Rebound

Conclusion

From large-scale investments and breakthrough product innovations to sustainability milestones and strategic business transformations, this week's developments underscore an industry that continues to evolve through innovation, operational excellence, and long-term growth planning. While market challenges remain, companies across the global pulp and paper sector are actively investing in advanced technologies, low-carbon manufacturing, and value-added products to strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.

Stay connected with Pulp & Paper Chronicle for exclusive weekly updates, industry insights, and comprehensive coverage of the latest developments shaping the global pulp, paper, packaging, and tissue sectors.