PULP & PAPER CHRONICLE GLOBAL PULP, PAPER & PACKAGING INDUSTRY INTELLIGENCE REPORT JUNE 2026 MONTHLY REVIEW

June witnessed one of the most dynamic months for the global pulp, paper and packaging industry, with major investments, technological breakthroughs, sustainability initiatives, strategic partnerships and market developments reshaping the industry's future. Here's a quick look at every major story that made headlines this month

🏗️ Investments, Expansions & New Projects

1. Mondi Strengthens Corrugated Solutions Operations in Germany through Targeted Site Upgrades.

2. Nanning Sun Paper Industry Phase II Project Expansion: 200,000-ton Capacity Expansion of Unbleached Pulp.

3. Algeria Breaks Ground on Three Paper Industry Projects in Mostaganem.

4. Xiamen C&D Pulp & Paper Group Receives Approval to Triple Pulp Storage Capacity.

5. Smurfit Westrock Announces €600 Million Investment Ahead of Choose France Summit.

6. Next-Generation Valmet DNAe DCS to Strengthen Gas Boiler Operations at Lenzing in Austria.

7. Huatai Group's Rizhao Unit Begins Commissioning of 150,000-Tonne Wood Fiber Project.

8. Paraibuna Embalagens Invests R$15 Million to Modernize Operations and Expand Corrugated Packaging Capacity.

9. Canada Commits Nearly C$60 Million to Pulp, Paper and Advanced Fibre Projects.

10. Tiger Group Offers OCC Pulp Mill Packed with Late-Model Equipment.

11. WEPA and Epyr Inaugurate Thermal Energy Storage Unit at the Troyes Site.

12. Sofidel Breaks Ground on $775 Million Expansion at Oklahoma Tissue Manufacturing Facility.

13. Solenis and MEPCO Extend Partnership Through Five-Year Supply Agreement for PM5 Project.

14. Kappa Rus Okulovka Plans Plant Modernization Project Following SPIEF Agreement.

15. L-Pak Kuban to Invest RUB 9.3 Billion in New Corrugated Packaging Plant in Krasnodar Region.

16. Paracel Advances $2.8 Billion Paraguay Pulp Mill Project, Targets Financing in 2027.

17. Schades Group Expands Paper Printing and Converting Capacity with Strategic Investment in Germany.

18. delfort Invests in New Pressboard Machine to Expand Transformer Insulation Materials Portfolio.

19. Arctic Paper Commissions New Pasaban Sheeter at Munkedal Mill.

20. Roses Southwest Papers Expands into Consumer Tissue Market with New Converting Investment.

21. Van de Velde Packaging Ready for the Next Phase of Growth.

22. Domsjö Fabriker Wants to Strengthen Sweden's Supply of Liquefied Biogas with Adven as Infrastructure Partner.

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

24. Tasowheel Partners With PAPTECH to Expand Presence in Vietnam's Pulp and Paper Market.

🛑 Shutdowns, Closures & Curtailments

1. Production Curtailments at UPM's Pulp Mills in Finland.

2. Mercer Rosenthal to Suspend Pulp Production Throughout September 2026.

3. Rockwell Capital Suspends Krasnoyarsk Pulp and Paper Mill Project.

4. Smurfit Westrock Confirms Closure of Birmingham Paper Mill.

5. Smurfit Westrock to Close Lebanon, Tennessee Facility.

6. Workers Rally Against Proposed Closure of DS Smith's Launceston Paper Plant.

7. Demolition Begins on Ontario Kimberly-Clark Paper Warehouse After Fire.

8. KAMA Completes Major Mill Shutdown With 1,700 Maintenance Jobs.

9. Perm Pulp and Paper Company Completes Scheduled Maintenance at Cardboard and Paper Production Department No. 1.

🤝 M&A, Partnerships & Joint Ventures

1. Suzano and Kimberly-Clark Joint Venture Arbex Begins Independent Operations – The new global tissue and hygiene company officially launches as an independent business.

2. Freshfields Advises UPM on €1.42 Billion Graphic Paper Joint Venture with Sappi – Legal and transaction support for the proposed 50/50 graphic paper joint venture.

3. Solenis and MEPCO Extend Partnership Through Five-Year Supply Agreement for PM5 Project in Saudi Arabia. (This appears in the newsletter's partnership section.)

4. UPM and ANDRITZ Partner to Advance Tailored Tissue Innovation – Multi-year collaboration to accelerate tissue product and process development.

5. Metsä Group and Qutwo Take the Next Step in Advancing AI in the Forest Industry – Strategic AI and quantum technology collaboration.

6. PAC Machinery, CMES Robotics and FANUC to Showcase AI-Driven Pick-to-Pack Packaging System at Automate 2026 – Joint demonstration of integrated AI-based packaging automation.

7. Tasowheel Partners With PAPTECH to Expand Presence in Vietnam's Pulp and Paper Market.

8. WEPA and Epyr Inaugurate France's First Industrial Thermal Energy Storage Project – Collaboration delivering thermal energy storage for decarbonization.

9. The Biorefinery Domsjö Fabriker Wants to Strengthen Sweden's Supply of Liquefied Biogas, with Adven as Infrastructure Partner – Partnership to develop liquefied biogas infrastructure.

10. Van de Velde Packaging Ready for the Next Phase of Growth – Expansion supported through a strengthened capital structure in partnership with investment firm Kartesia.

11. Stora Enso and Hygiene Products Manufacturer Streamline Logistics Through Joint Supply Chain Initiative – Collaborative supply-chain optimization to improve logistics efficiency.

12. Suzano and Moura Expand Battery Reverse Logistics Program in Forestry Operations – Partnership to improve battery recycling and circular economy practices.

📈 Price Changes & Market Pricing

1. Chinese Containerboard Producers Announce New Round of Price Increases Across Multiple Regions.

2. Greif Raises Prices for Recycled Paperboard and Converted Packaging Products.

3. Sonoco to Raise North American Recycled Paperboard Prices by $60 Per Ton in July.

4. DREWSEN SPEZIALPAPIERE Increases Prices for Specialty Papers Effective July 1, 2026.

5. Nippon Paper to Raise Prices for White Paperboards and Packaging Paper by More Than 15%.

Financial Results & Market Performance

1. Greif, Inc. Declares 10.7% Increase to Quarterly Dividend.

2. West Coast Paper Mills Recommends Rs. 3 Dividend as FY26 Profit Declines.

3. Kuantum Papers Reports FY26 Profit of Rs. 41.95 Crore, Board Recommends Dividend.

4. Global Sae-A Paper Affiliates Double Profit on Efficiency, Synergy in Korea.

5. Global Sia Group Halts Planned Sale of Paper Business Amid Improved Market Outlook. (Includes business performance, EBITDA growth, and improved earnings that led to the sale being halted.)

6. AF&PA Releases May 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report.

7. AF&PA Releases May 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly Report.

🌱 Sustainability & Circular Economy

1. EthiFinance Renews Ence's "Excellent" ESG Rating for a Second Consecutive Year.

2. Sonoco Releases Corporate Sustainability Report Highlighting Progress and Award-Winning Products.

3. Asia Symbol Releases 2025 Sustainability Report, Advancing Green Growth and Sustainable Pulp & Paper Leadership.

4. Domtar Launches 2030 Sustainability Strategy, Reinforcing Commitment to Climate Action, Responsible Forestry and Community Impact.

5. Cascades Concludes 2021–2025 Sustainability Action Plan with Significant Environmental, Social and Governance Achievements.

6. RDM Group Hits 2025 Sustainability Targets as Circular Economy Model Delivers Results.

7. Pankaboard Publishes 2025 Sustainability Report Highlighting Climate Progress, Circular Economy Leadership, and Sustainable Packaging Innovation.

8. UPM Adhesive Materials Publishes Climate Review 2025, Highlighting Strong Progress Toward 2030 Climate Goals.

9. UPM Communication Papers Reports 38% Reduction in Fossil CO₂ Emissions at European Mills in 2025.

10. APRIL Reports Strong Sustainability and Business Performance in 2025, Producing Over 4 Million Tonnes of Pulp While Advancing APRIL2030 Commitments.

11. West Fraser Reports Major Sustainability Gains in 2025, Cuts Emissions and Expands Community Impact.

12. WEPA and Epyr Inaugurate Thermal Energy Storage Unit at the Troyes Site.

13. Canada Commits Nearly C$60 Million to Pulp, Paper and Advanced Fibre Projects.

14. Elopak Launches Low-Carbon Aluminium for Liquid Packaging Cartons.

15. Södra Increases the Share of Recycled Material in Packaging to 70%.

16. Suzano and Moura Expand Battery Reverse Logistics Program in Forestry Operations.

17. The Biorefinery Domsjö Fabriker Wants to Strengthen Sweden's Supply of Liquefied Biogas, with Adven as Infrastructure Partner.

18. APP Group Highlights the Role of Sustainable Products for Hospitality and F&B Ahead of World Cup 2026.

🚀 Products & Innovation

1. Valmet's Flexible Optimization Suite Accelerates Process Performance.

2. UPM and ANDRITZ Partner to Advance Tailored Tissue Innovation.

3. PAC Machinery, CMES Robotics and FANUC to Showcase AI-Driven Pick-to-Pack Packaging System at Automate 2026.

4. Metsä Group and Qutwo Take the Next Step in Advancing AI in the Forest Industry.

5. IPEL Launches Tissue Products Featuring Antimicrobial Technology in Brazil.

6. Elopak Launches Low-Carbon Aluminium for Liquid Packaging Cartons.

7. Arctic Paper Commissions New Pasaban Sheeter at Munkedal Mill. (New converting capability and production technology.)

8. Huatai Group's Rizhao Unit Begins Commissioning of 150,000-Tonne Wood Fiber Project. (Commercialization of high-yield wood fibre and lignin technology.)

9. Paraibuna Embalagens Expands Corrugated Packaging Production with Advanced Printing Technology.

10. Roses Southwest Papers Expands into Consumer Tissue Market with New Converting Investment.

11. Tiger Group Offers OCC Pulp Mill Packed with Late-Model Equipment. (Advanced recycled fibre processing technology available to the market.)

12. APP Group Highlights the Role of Sustainable Products for Hospitality and F&B Ahead of World Cup 2026.

13. Pankaboard Highlights Sustainable Packaging Innovation in its 2025 Sustainability Report. (Innovation-focused story centred on renewable cartonboard products.)

14. Canada Supports Cellulose Nanocrystals, Advanced Fibre and Biomaterial Innovation Through New Funding. (Innovation programme covering CelluForce, FPInnovations and advanced fibre technologies.)

👥 Leadership & Corporate Updates

1. Rayonier Advanced Materials Appoints Daniel M. Krawczyk as CEO as Strategic Review Continues.

2. Global Cellulose Fibers Announces CEO Transition. (Mike Doss appointed CEO; Clay Ellis transitions to Board Advisor.)

3. Södra Appoints Cecilia Karlsson as New CFO.

4. Norske Skog Promotes CFO Mads Eikeland to Lead Skogn Mill.

5. Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Appoints Kumar Jayant as Chairman and Managing Director.

6. Orient Paper Appoints Yogendra K. Varshney as Chief Operating Officer.

7. Graphic Packaging Holding Company Elects Larry M. Venturelli Chairman of the Board of Directors.

8. Amcor Announces Key Leadership Appointments to Accelerate Growth.

9. Voith Paper Announces Leadership Transition Effective October 1. (Tero Kokko appointed President & CEO of Voith Paper.)

10. Softys Appoints Enrique Ostalé as Chairman to Support Regional Growth Strategy.

11. Suzano and Kimberly-Clark Joint Venture Arbex Begins Independent Operations. (Announcement includes the appointment of Ehab Abou-Oaf as CEO, Luís Bueno as COO, Oscar Mousinho as CFO, and Walter Schalka as Chairman.)

⚙️ Operations & Supply Chain

1. Next-Generation Valmet DNAe DCS to Strengthen Gas Boiler Operations at Lenzing in Austria.

2. Mondi Strengthens Corrugated Solutions Operations in Germany through Targeted Site Upgrades.

3. KAMA Receives Its First Volumes of Timber via River Transport.

4. Stora Enso and Hygiene Products Manufacturer Streamline Logistics Through Joint Supply Chain Initiative.

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

6. Prinzhorn Group Selects HERE Enterprise to Deploy Unified Digital Workspace Across Operations.

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

8. Paraibuna Embalagens Modernizes Operations and Expands Corrugated Packaging Capacity.

9. Suzano Expands Firefighting Operations in Mato Grosso do Sul With AI and Thermal Drone Technology. (Operational resilience and asset protection.)

10. Metsä Group and Qutwo Take the Next Step in Advancing AI in the Forest Industry. (AI deployment to optimize wood procurement and mill operations.)

🔥 Incidents, Safety & Environmental Events

1. Notice Regarding the Incident at U.S. Subsidiary Nippon Dynawave Packaging (Sixth Update).

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

3. Washington Attorney General's Office Granted Authority to Investigate Longview Paper Mill Disaster.

4. State Records Detail Earlier Safety Incident at Longview Paper Mill Before Fatal Tank Collapse.

5. Dead Fish Count Nears 2,000 After Chemical Release at Longview Pulp Mill.

6. Fire Damages Paper Machine at McKinley Paper Mill in Combined Locks.

7. Dust Explosion Triggers Fire at ARAUCO Facility in Arkansas; No Injuries Reported.

8. West Fraser Fined C$111,000 Following Fatal Silo Incident at B.C. Sawmill.

9. Demolition Begins on Ontario Kimberly-Clark Paper Warehouse After Destructive Fire in April. (Recovery following a major fire event.)

10. Suzano Expands Firefighting Operations in Mato Grosso do Sul With AI and Thermal Drone Technology. (Preparedness and wildfire prevention initiative.)

🏛️ Policy, Regulation & Trade

1. KleanNara's Paperboard Exports to Vietnam Rise 21% as Company Expands Southeast Asia Presence.

2. Bracell Revises Bataguassu Pulp Mill Project as Environmental Licensing Review Continues.

3. Shanghai Futures Exchange Approves Xiamen C&D Pulp & Paper Group's Expanded Pulp Warehouse Capacity. (Regulatory approval for certified warehouse expansion.)

4. Canada Commits Nearly C$60 Million to Advance Pulp, Paper and Advanced Fibre Innovation Projects. (Federal funding and industrial policy initiative.)

5. Nearly 300 Italian Companies Seek More Than €450 Million in Corrugated Cardboard Cartel Damages. (Competition law and antitrust litigation.)

6. Washington Attorney General's Office Granted Authority to Investigate Longview Paper Mill Disaster. (Government legal investigation.)

7. U.S. Chemical Safety Board Begins Investigation Into Fatal Nippon Dynawave Tank Failure. (Federal regulatory safety investigation.)

8. Smurfit Westrock Announces the Completion of Delisting from the London Stock Exchange. (Corporate regulatory filing and stock exchange action.)

9. Lecta Completes Restructuring and Recapitalization, Launches Independent Business Units. (Corporate restructuring and governance action.)

10. AF&PA Releases 66th Annual Paper Industry Capacity and Fiber Consumption Survey. (Industry statistics and policy reference.)

Conclusion

June 2026 showcased an industry embracing transformation through strategic investments, operational excellence, sustainability leadership, technological innovation, and global collaboration. From billion-dollar expansion projects and AI-powered manufacturing to circular economy initiatives, executive leadership changes, regulatory developments, and international industry events, the month's headlines reflect the resilience and forward momentum of the global pulp, paper and packaging sector. Together, these stories provide a comprehensive snapshot of the trends shaping the future of the fibre-based industry and reaffirm Pulp & Paper Chronicle as a trusted source of global industry intelligence.