The global pulp, paper, packaging and converting industry continues to experience significant transformation. Companies are investing in new capacity, modernising production assets, expanding packaging operations and introducing technologies designed to improve efficiency and sustainability.

At the same time, the industry is facing considerable pressure from restructuring, insolvencies, changing prices, supply-demand imbalances, regulatory developments and serious industrial safety incidents.

The September 2026 Weekly Edition 1 of Pulp & Paper Chronicle brings together 22 industry stories across nine categories, providing a broad view of the developments shaping the sector this week. The newsletter identifies capacity growth, automation, sustainability, market pressure, partnerships, innovation and asset safety among the principal themes.

🏗️ 1. Investments, Expansions & New Projects

Investment activity remains an important feature of the industry, with companies upgrading equipment, expanding manufacturing footprints and strengthening logistics infrastructure.

DS Smith Belišće Reaches First Phase of €15 Million Corrugator Investment

DS Smith's Belišće Packaging team has reached the first phase of installation of a new Fosber S/Line 370 corrugator, marking a significant milestone in the company's €15 million investment programme.

The installation was overseen during a site visit attended by Country Managing Director Mario Müller and members of the management team. The project is being implemented while the facility continues its day-to-day operations and customer commitments.

The investment is intended to strengthen the Belišće site's production capabilities and support future growth as packaging customers increasingly seek sustainable and recyclable solutions.

The project also reflects a wider industry focus on improving efficiency and production performance in response to changing packaging requirements and supply-chain expectations.

Sprintpackage Expands to 20,000-Square-Meter Facility

Guangzhou Shangpin Packaging Products Co., Ltd., operating as Sprintpackage, has moved its manufacturing base to a new 20,000-square-meter facility in the No. 1 Hard Technology Industrial Park in Guangzhou's Baiyun District.

The relocation was completed in June 2026 and has increased annual production output by approximately two to three times.

The new facility operates six fully automated production lines covering tube winding, slitting, paper mounting, curling and final assembly. Automation exceeds 80%, with daily production capacity reaching approximately 200,000–300,000 units.

The expansion is designed to support global demand for premium cardboard tubes used in food, cosmetics and health-supplement packaging, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.

Metsä Board Invests in Kemi Finishing Operations

Metsä Board is investing in its finishing operations at the Kemi mill by modernising the board-machine winder.

The investment will be implemented during the annual maintenance shutdown planned for October–November 2026.

The company says the modernisation will improve product quality, supply-chain reliability and production efficiency. Kemi has annual production capacity of approximately 465,000 tonnes and is described as the world's largest producer of coated white-top kraftliners.

The investment is aimed at strengthening the mill's ability to deliver consistent-quality products and dependable supply to global corrugated-packaging customers.

Suzano Takes 10% Stake in New Port Project in Espírito Santo

Brazilian pulp producer Suzano has agreed to acquire a 10% stake in a new port project in Aracruz, Espírito Santo.

The company will make its contribution through land rather than cash. The agreement gives Suzano a 10% interest in Imetame Logística Porto S.A., the company behind the greenfield port project.

The project involves development of a new port on Brazil's southeastern coast. Construction and operational timelines were not provided in the newsletter.

The investment is separate from Portocel, the existing private terminal at Barra do Riacho, where Suzano holds a 51% stake and Cenibra holds the remaining 49%.

JBM Packaging Opens New Lebanon Facility

JBM Packaging has opened a new 52,500-square-foot facility in Lebanon, Ohio, approximately one mile from its headquarters.

The facility will serve as the new home for the company's growing contract packaging, kitting and filling operations and is expected to employ up to 50 new team members.

JBM launched its contract-packaging business in 2021 but quickly outgrew its original rented location. Limited ceiling height and storage capacity, along with the distance between facilities, had created additional operational challenges.

The new site provides the company with additional space to enter new markets and expand the services offered to customers.

Voith's SteamBooster Cuts Energy Use at Koehler Paper's Kehl Mill

Energy efficiency is also driving investment and technology adoption.

At Koehler Paper's Kehl mill in Germany, Voith's SteamBooster is converting high-temperature exhaust heat into valuable process steam.

The system forms part of a three-stage heat-recovery concept designed to reduce natural-gas consumption. According to the newsletter, the system has been operating since June 2025 and saves up to 1,500 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

SteamBooster is installed on the offline coating machine SM 8, where exhaust heat from the coating process can reach temperatures of up to 300°C.

The recovered heat is transferred through a heat exchanger to generate steam from condensate. The steam is then returned to production, with the system generating approximately one tonne of steam per hour and reducing boiler load and associated costs.

The project demonstrates how energy recovery can turn previously wasted industrial heat into a useful production resource.

🛑 2. Shutdowns, Closures & Curtailments

While investment continues, the industry is also undergoing restructuring as companies respond to difficult economic and market conditions.

Investor Withdraws From Insolvent Baiersbronn Frischfaser Karton

The investor process for insolvent Baiersbronn Frischfaser Karton GmbH has suffered a setback after a potential investor decided not to proceed with the planned transaction.

The company said discussions had taken place over several weeks but no agreement was reached. Difficult economic and sector-specific conditions were cited as factors.

Management and the insolvency administration must now seek another solution for the business and the Baiersbronn site.

The company has not disclosed the specific consequences for current operations or employees, with next steps expected to be determined in consultation with stakeholders.

DS Smith Plans Launceston Closure and Kemsley Mill Changes

DS Smith is pursuing restructuring changes across several UK locations.

The company plans to close its Launceston box plant in Cornwall, affecting approximately 165 jobs. Production is scheduled to finish in November following consultation with employees.

The Launceston facility has been a significant local employer for nearly 60 years, and workers and their families protested against the proposed closure.

At the company's Kemsley paper mill in Kent, DS Smith has separately proposed closing PM4 while investing in PM6.

The changes form part of wider developments across the company's UK manufacturing operations.

🤝 3. M&A, Partnerships & Joint Ventures

APP Group and Charta Global Strengthen Access to Sustainable Packaging Market

APP Group and Charta Global used the PPC Spring Meeting 2026 in Louisville to strengthen their positioning in the sustainable packaging market.

The two companies engaged with industry participants and supply-chain partners as U.S. brands and retailers continue shifting from plastic toward paper-based packaging.

Charta Global, APP Group's exclusive sales channel, highlighted its U.S. stocking programme, which provides access to APP Group's portfolio of paperboard products.

The portfolio includes premium C1S and C2S folding box board, food-grade FBB, recycled FBB, cigarette/tobacco FBB and PE-free barrier-coated FBB base paper.

The partnership reflects the growing importance of reliable domestic supply, consistent quality and flexible paperboard solutions as packaging customers respond to sustainability requirements and changing market demand.

📈 4. Price Changes & Market Pricing

Pricing developments remain closely watched as producers attempt to manage market conditions and supply-demand pressures.

Suzano to Raise Pulp Prices in Asia

Suzano is set to raise pulp prices by $20 per metric ton in China and other Asian markets from September.

The increase marks the company's first price increase in the region since April. Suzano also increased prices by $20 per metric ton in April.

The latest adjustment comes as pulp producers continue to navigate changing market conditions across Asia.

Nine Dragons Announces RMB 50/Ton Corrugated Paper Increase

Nine Dragons Paper has announced a RMB 50-per-ton increase in corrugated-paper prices at five major production bases in China.

The increases are being implemented in stages:

• Dongguan: September 10, 2026

• Taicang: September 10, 2026

• Quanzhou: September 12, 2026

• Tianjin: September 14, 2026

• Hebei: September 14, 2026

At Dongguan, the announced adjustment is RMB/HKD 50 per ton, equivalent to approximately US$7 per ton according to the newsletter.

The coordinated price increases come ahead of the holiday period and are described as a defensive price-supporting measure.

However, the market outlook remains uncertain. Waste-paper prices have weakened while supply-demand imbalances continue, potentially affecting whether the announced increases can be fully implemented.

🌱 5. Sustainability & Circular Economy

European Consumers Actively Separate Bag-in-Box Packaging for Recycling

A new study by Smurfit Westrock Bag-in-Box examined consumer recycling behaviour in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden.

The study found that a majority of consumers across the four countries separate the plastic bag from the cardboard box after use.

This behaviour is important because separating the components allows materials to be directed toward the appropriate recycling streams.

The findings arrive as Europe prepares for implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which is expected to increase attention on recyclability, resource efficiency and circularity.

The research also found differences between countries, reflecting variations in waste-collection systems, recycling policies, consumer education and sorting guidance.

The results suggest that intuitive packaging design and clear recycling instructions can play an important role in improving participation in circular packaging systems.

🚀 6. Products & Innovation

Technology and product innovation continue to target sustainability, productivity and higher-performance paper and packaging applications.

Iconex Introduces Patent-Pending RFID Linerless Label Technology

Iconex has launched its patent-pending Iconex Connect RFID linerless label.

The technology combines the operational and sustainability benefits of linerless labels with RFID functionality.

It is designed for logistics, distribution, e-commerce, retail and food/grocery operations.

The company says the solution can help organisations improve supply-chain visibility, automate data collection, reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.

The development reflects the convergence of physical packaging and digital information technologies, with labels increasingly becoming an important part of connected supply chains.

Synthro® Lucent 691 Targets Sustainable Specialty Paper Transparency

PROTEX INTERNATIONAL has introduced Synthro® Lucent 691, a bio-based waterborne technology designed to improve transparency in specialty papers.

The product is described as a 100% bio-based formulation that can increase paper transparency while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the paper substrate.

It is described as suitable for direct food contact and compatible with conventional paper-manufacturing equipment, including size presses and coating systems.

One of the potential advantages highlighted is that manufacturers can integrate the technology into existing production lines without significant capital investment or major process disruption.

The development reflects the industry's search for alternatives that can deliver both premium visual properties and improved environmental performance.

Amtech Targets Hidden Costs in UK Corrugated Production

Amtech Software is preparing to help UK independent sheet plants identify and quantify operating costs associated with manual processes.

At the UK Corrugated Industry Trade Show 2026, Amtech will demonstrate its AI-powered ERP, MES and CRM solutions.

The company's value model focuses on hidden costs associated with manual scheduling, repeated data entry, spreadsheet workarounds, material waste, overtime and inefficient dispatch.

For a representative £25 million plant, the model indicates potential annual cost reduction of more than £710,000 and nearly 4,000 staff hours that could potentially be reclaimed.

The wider message is that digitalisation can address costs that may not appear as a separate line item on a company's profit-and-loss statement but still affect productivity every day.

Bellmer Introduces TurboShaker Pro

Bellmer has introduced the TurboShaker Pro, a high-frequency shaking system developed for modern paper machines equipped with heavy breast rolls.

The new system increases the maximum stroke to 35 mm, compared with up to 25 mm for the conventional TurboShaker.

According to Bellmer, the stronger shaking impulse can help transfer motion into the headbox suspension, improving fibre-floc dispersion and fibre alignment.

Potential benefits include improved sheet formation, higher strength properties and more stable paper quality, particularly on wide machines operating at high speeds.

The system also provides an extended usable frequency range and precise control of stroke and frequency while operating non-reactively to avoid disruptive forces on the machine foundation and surrounding structure.

👥 7. Leadership & Corporate Updates

Graphic Packaging Appoints Tatiana Berardinelli as Chief Human Resources Officer

Graphic Packaging Holding Company has appointed Tatiana Berardinelli as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective September 8.

She will report to President and CEO Robbert Rietbroek and join the company's Executive Leadership Team.

Berardinelli brings approximately 25 years of global HR leadership experience spanning packaging, specialty chemicals, coatings and advanced materials.

Before joining Graphic Packaging, she served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Multi-Color Corporation and previously held the same position at Clariant.

The company says her experience in global transformation, organisational design, leadership, performance and employee engagement will support its next phase of growth and operational excellence.

AstenJohnson Announces CEO Leadership Transition

AstenJohnson has announced that President and CEO Kevin Frank will retire after more than a decade of service.

Frank will step down from his current role effective September 28, 2026, and remain with AstenJohnson through December 31, 2026, to support the leadership transition.

He joined the company in 2015 and has overseen a period of growth and transformation, including strengthened global operations, expansion of the Nonwovens footprint and investment in innovation.

The company also highlighted his commitment to employees, customers, shareholders and communities during his tenure.

🔥 8. Incidents, Safety & Environmental Events

Safety and asset integrity are among the most serious themes in this week's report.

Washington Paper Mill Chemical Tank Had Been Deemed Unfit Before Fatal Failure

A chemical storage tank at a Washington state paper mill had reportedly been identified as not fit for continued service approximately 10 months before its fatal failure.

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board said its investigation into the May 26 failure at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company's Longview facility remains ongoing.

An inspection in July 2025 reportedly found significant thinning in the lower areas of the tank, including sections below the calculated minimum safe wall thickness.

The inspection contractor recommended internal inspection and repairs and indicated that replacement of an entire shell section might be necessary.

Further inspections in October 2025 and February 2026 reportedly found that large portions of the tank remained below minimum safe thickness.

According to the investigation update, internal inspections and shell repairs were not carried out between the July 2025 inspection and the May 2026 failure, and the tank was not removed from service or derated.

The failure released approximately 900,000 gallons of white liquor, a caustic liquid used in paper manufacturing. The incident killed 11 people.

The case highlights the critical importance of equipment inspection, preventive maintenance, asset integrity and timely corrective action.

Fire Breaks Out During Demolition of Earthquake-Damaged Chimney in Japan

A fire broke out during demolition work on an earthquake-damaged chimney at a paper factory in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

Workers were attempting to remove the broken tip of one of the factory's chimneys when the fire erupted. Footage reportedly showed flames and thick black smoke emerging from the damaged structure.

No injuries were reported from the fire.

The facility had already suffered severe damage during a magnitude 7.1 earthquake on July 28. Three of its five chimneys were severely damaged, while an 80-metre chimney collapsed during the earthquake, killing nine factory employees.

The wider earthquake killed 38 people and damaged or destroyed approximately 36,000 houses and buildings.

Family Sues Nippon Dynawave Following Chemical Tank Incident

A wrongful-death lawsuit has been filed following the chemical tank implosion at a Longview paper mill.

The lawsuit was filed by the mother of brothers Brad Covington, 27, and Tyler Covington, 29, who died following the May 26 incident.

According to the lawsuit, the brothers had arrived at the mill's parking lot when the chemical tank imploded. The filing alleges that they suffered severe injuries before their deaths.

The lawsuit names Nippon Dynawave Packaging Company and Nippon Paper Industries and alleges negligence involving equipment maintenance, supervision and the proper isolation and/or venting of equipment.

The family is seeking an unspecified amount in economic and noneconomic damages.

🏛️ 9. Policy, Regulation & Trade

U.S. Shoppers Urged Not to Panic-Buy Toilet Paper Amid Canada Tariff Dispute

U.S. consumers have been urged not to stockpile toilet paper as an escalating trade dispute with Canada raises concerns about possible price increases for household paper products.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) said there is no need for households to panic-buy.

The organisation noted that U.S. tissue supply chains are designed to operate predictably and efficiently and warned that sudden spikes in consumer demand could place unnecessary strain on the system.

Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on a broad range of products beginning September 8, including certain paper products and materials used in toilet-roll production.

The Canadian measures include tariffs affecting 25% to 50% of toilet-roll and paper products used in toilet-roll production, according to the newsletter.

The episode demonstrates how trade policy can influence not only manufacturers and supply chains but also consumer expectations and purchasing behaviour.