The global pulp, paper and packaging industry is entering the second half of September 2026 with a mix of expansion, restructuring, price pressure and technological investment. The latest Pulp & Paper Chronicle weekly roundup highlights a sector balancing new capacity and modernization against weaker pulp demand, difficult wood-market conditions, higher input costs and changing end-use markets.

The newsletter covers developments across investments, mill operations, M&A, pricing, sustainability, innovation, leadership, environmental incidents, regulation, recognition and industry events.

🏗️ 1. Investments, Expansions & New Projects

Geris selects Giotto Technologies for converting-line upgrade

Albania-based tissue converter Geris is investing in production efficiency through new equipment supplied by Giotto Technologies. The company has selected a new core maker and a high-performance log saw to strengthen its converting operations.

Geris operates a facility of approximately 12,000 square metres and specializes in pure-cellulose tissue paper converting and logistics. Founded in 2008 as a family-owned business, it has grown into a significant manufacturer and distributor of hygienic tissue products in Albania.

The new core maker is designed to produce high-quality cardboard cores, while the log saw is intended to improve cutting precision, reliability and overall production efficiency. For Giotto Technologies, the project also represents another step in its international expansion.

KAMA improves paper properties with domestic Russian latex

KAMA cardboard and paper mill, part of the Sveza industrial holding, has introduced domestic latex developed by the NOVAROLL group into its paper-production process.

According to the newsletter, the new binder has strengthened the coated layer and reduced paper-web dustiness. Production tests showed fewer foreign inclusions detected by the online flaw-detection system, while dustiness also decreased during soft-calendering and roll slitting.

KAMA announced plans to introduce NOVAROLL raw materials in April 2026, with the full transition completed in May. Customer feedback during the summer reportedly confirmed improvements in the processing properties of the paper.

Metsä Group advances carbon-capture investment in Rauma

Metsä Group's planned wood-based carbon-dioxide capture plant at Rauma has received EUR 21 million in aid through a reverse auction organized by Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

The funding is described as an important prerequisite for moving forward with the investment. The project aims to capture carbon dioxide from the flue gases of the recovery boiler at the Rauma pulp mill.

Beyond emissions reduction, Metsä Group sees the project as an opportunity to establish a new industrial value chain around carbon capture. The company said the positive funding decision allows planning of the plant to continue.

Valmet to modernize Södra Mönsterås recovery boiler and evaporation plant

Valmet will provide extensive modernization services at Södra Mönsterås pulp mill in Sweden, focusing on the recovery boiler and evaporation plant.

The work is designed to improve operational reliability, safety and long-term equipment performance while reducing the risk of unplanned downtime. The project forms part of the mill's annual maintenance program.

The order is included in Valmet's third-quarter 2026 orders, although its value was not disclosed. The modernization is scheduled to take place during the mill's annual shutdown in November 2026.

Supremex invests approximately $4 million in packaging capacity

North American paper-based packaging company Supremex has announced approximately $4 million in capital investments to expand and modernize its folding-carton and e-commerce packaging operations.

At its Indianapolis facility, the company is adding a six-colour offset press with in-line UV coating, along with advanced converting and finishing equipment. The investment will expand the range of grades, formats and finishes produced internally while increasing folding-carton and e-commerce capacity.

Supremex is also relocating and upgrading a printing press at its Chicago Envelope facility and adding e-commerce packaging capacity in Naperville, Illinois. The broader objective is to reduce dependence on subcontractors while improving quality control, lead times and customer responsiveness.

🛑 2. Shutdowns, Closures & Curtailments

Nippon Paper to suspend Hungarian CMC business

Nippon Paper Industries plans to temporarily suspend the business of its Hungarian subsidiary, Nippon Paper Chemicals Europe Zrt. (NPCE), from December 31, 2026.

The company expects an extraordinary loss of approximately ¥5 billion in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027, including impairment losses on non-current assets.

NPCE was established in 2022 to produce and sell carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), marketed as SUNROSE MAC®, for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. Local production began in 2025.

Nippon Paper attributed the decision to a challenging EV market environment in Europe and North America, including changing environmental regulations, EV-support policies and subsidy systems. Slower EV growth and stronger global competition have made stable earnings difficult to achieve.

Metsä Fibre begins negotiations over possible Joutseno layoffs

Metsä Fibre has initiated change negotiations concerning potential temporary layoffs at its Joutseno pulp mill.

The discussions cover the mill's entire workforce of approximately 160 employees. The company cited continued challenges in the pulp market, the demand outlook and conditions in the wood market.

Metsä Fibre CEO Ismo Nousiainen said the company needs to prepare for adjustments to pulp production lasting longer than previously anticipated. The negotiations were scheduled to begin in week 37.

British Columbia seeks a path to keep Howe Sound mill operating

The British Columbia provincial government has appointed two negotiators to work with Domtar in an effort to find a way to continue operations at the Howe Sound pulp mill in Port Mellon.

The initiative follows Domtar's August 20 announcement that the mill would be indefinitely curtailed. The negotiations could affect more than 350 jobs connected to the facility.

The government says discussions are intended to identify a path forward that supports workers, families and the wider Sunshine Coast community. However, the newsletter notes that the timeline and identities of the negotiators had not been disclosed.

🤝 3. M&A, Partnerships & Joint Ventures

SPG acquires DFW Crating & Packaging

Specialized Packaging Group (SPG) has acquired DFW Crating & Packaging, a Dallas-Fort Worth provider of custom crating and protective packaging.

The transaction expands SPG's presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth market and adds complementary crating expertise, customer relationships and experienced personnel.

DFW Crating & Packaging will continue operating under its existing name from its Grand Prairie facility. The company will gain access to SPG's broader infrastructure and resources while maintaining its existing customer-service focus.

JK Paper takes full ownership of Radhesham Wellpack

JK Paper has acquired the remaining 20% stake in Radhesham Wellpack Private Limited (RWPL) for ₹440.2 million, making the packaging company a wholly owned subsidiary.

The transaction was completed on September 9 and involved the purchase of 25,000 equity shares with a face value of ₹100 each.

The acquisition completes the terms of the Share Purchase and Shareholders' Agreement signed in December 2024 and was disclosed under India's SEBI listing regulations.

📈 4. Price Changes & Market Pricing

Cartiere del Garda announces €50/t increase

Cartiere del Garda has announced a €50 per tonne price increase across its range of two-side coated woodfree papers.

The increase will apply to deliveries from October 5, 2026. The company attributed the adjustment to rising energy, transportation and raw-material costs.

Cartiere del Garda said the increase is necessary to maintain the long-term sustainability of its business while continuing to provide the quality and service expected by customers.

DREWSEN SPEZIALPAPIERE raises prices by 8%

DREWSEN SPEZIALPAPIERE will increase prices across all product segments by 8%, effective for deliveries from October 1, 2026.

The company cited continued increases in raw materials, auxiliary materials and energy costs. Customers are being informed directly by the company's sales team.

South Indian corrugated-box prices rise 20%

Corrugated-box manufacturers in South India have announced a 20% price increase, following a sharp rise in kraft-paper and other production costs.

According to the South Indian Corrugated Box Manufacturers Association, kraft-paper prices have increased from approximately ₹31,000 per tonne to ₹35,000–₹38,000 per tonne. The price of 28 BF kraft paper has reportedly risen from around ₹30/kg to ₹38.50/kg.

Manufacturers also face higher costs for ink, staples, bundling tape and labour. Kraft-paper prices reportedly increased three times between August 12 and September 5.

The association had initially considered a 25% box-price increase but settled on 20%. Working-capital pressure has also intensified as some mills that previously offered 30–60 days of credit are reportedly seeking payment within seven days.

📊 5. Financial Results & Market Performance

The newsletter does not contain a separate story under the Financial Results & Market Performance category. Financial and market-related developments are instead reflected in stories covering price increases, the Nippon Paper restructuring and broader market pressures.

🌱 6. Sustainability & Circular Economy

Clearwater Paper reports progress on emissions, water and recyclable products

Clearwater Paper has released its 2026 Sustainability Report, covering its 2025 performance across responsible sourcing, environmental stewardship, product innovation, workplace safety and community engagement.

The company reported:

• 15.6% reduction in Scope 2 emissions against its 2021 baseline.

• 16% reduction in Scope 3 emissions against the 2021 baseline.

• 1.5% year-over-year reduction in Scope 1 emissions.

• 6% reduction in water-intake intensity from its 2024 baseline.

• More than 50% year-over-year reduction in lost-time injuries, from 27 cases in 2024 to 13 in 2025.

• More than 20% reduction in identified safety risks.

• 91% workforce retention, with voluntary turnover at 9%.

Clearwater Paper also exceeded its 2030 target for recyclable or compostable SBS products ahead of schedule: 81% of SBS products were recyclable or compostable in 2025, compared with the 75% target.

The company additionally received BPI compostable certification at its Lewiston, Idaho, and Cypress Bend, Arkansas, mills.

🚀 7. Products & Innovation

James Cropper launches Paper Portal

British papermaker James Cropper has introduced the Paper Portal, a physical sampling and specification experience designed to help designers, printers and brands explore its paper portfolio.

The Portal brings together stock-supported ranges, established colours, specialist capabilities and bespoke paper-development options.

The initiative emphasizes physical interaction with paper at a time when much of the creative process has shifted to digital platforms. Users can compare colours, examine surfaces and explore finishes directly.

The presentation case itself mirrors the outline of the James Cropper emblem and was manufactured by Showcase Creative. It is available in three Vanguard colourways and incorporates embossing and Foilco foil finishes, demonstrating the converting possibilities of the papers.

👥 8. Leadership & Corporate Updates

UPM and Sappi nominate leadership for planned graphic-paper JV

UPM and Sappi have conditionally selected management nominees for their planned graphic-paper joint venture.

Gunnar Eberhardt has been nominated as CEO, while Stephen Blyth has been nominated as CFO. Both appointments remain conditional on regulatory approvals and completion of the transaction.

Eberhardt currently leads UPM Communication Papers as Executive Vice President. Blyth has served as CFO of Sappi Europe since 2014 and brings experience in funding, refinancing and acquisition integration.

Walki announces CEO succession

Walki Group has announced a leadership transition in which long-serving President and CEO Leif Frilund will retire at the end of 2026.

Kari Salminen, currently Deputy CEO and Executive Vice President of Packaging Materials, will become President and CEO effective January 1, 2027.

Timo Saahko will become Executive Vice President, Packaging Materials, and join the Group Executive Team on October 1, 2026. Salminen and Frilund will work together during the fourth quarter to ensure a smooth transition.

Kadant prepares for CEO transition

Kadant has announced a succession plan under which Michael C. Colwell will become President and Chief Operating Officer on October 1, 2026, before becoming President and CEO and a director on January 2, 2027.

Current CEO Jeffrey L. Powell will become Executive Chairman of the Board at that time. Current chairman Jonathan W. Painter will leave the board and chairmanship.

Colwell brings extensive experience across Kadant's industrial processing, wood-processing and fiber-based-products businesses and previously led Kadant Carmanah Design.

🔥 9. Incidents, Safety & Environmental Events

Andhra Paper faces ₹210.1 million environmental compensation

The newsletter reports that the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB) has imposed environmental compensation of ₹210.1 million on Andhra Paper.

The newsletter page provides the headline and compensation figure, but the detailed explanatory text for this item is not legible in the supplied document extraction. Therefore, no additional circumstances are being inferred beyond the information visibly provided.

Daio Paper reports wastewater-treatment equipment damage

Daio Paper has reported damage to wastewater-treatment equipment at its Kani Mill.

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🏛️ 10. Policy, Regulation & Trade

Korea fines six paper companies over alleged auction collusion

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has imposed corrective measures and a combined 3.009 billion won penalty on six paper companies for collusion in six printing-paper procurement auctions conducted by Nongmin Newspaper between 2021 and 2024.

According to the KFTC, the companies coordinated winning bidders and bid prices in an effort to restrict competition and prevent low-price bids.

The alleged coordination occurred through meetings and phone calls before auctions. During the period, the companies' average winning rate was approximately 96.2%, compared with 87.6% during the 2018–2020 non-collusion period. Hansol Paper and Hankuk Paper are also facing corporate criminal complaints to prosecutors.

Containerboard price-fixing litigation moves forward

A U.S. federal judge has rejected individual and joint motions seeking dismissal of a price-fixing lawsuit brought by Artuso Pastry Foods Corp. against North American containerboard and packaging producers.

The decision allows the case to proceed to discovery. The lawsuit, filed in July 2025, alleges coordination of price increases.

The defendants named include Cascades, Georgia-Pacific, Greif, International Paper, Packaging Corporation of America, Pratt Industries, Smurfit Kappa North America and WestRock CP. The court found that allegations concerning six "lockstep or nearly lockstep" price increases were sufficient to establish plausible parallel conduct at the motion-to-dismiss stage.

Importantly, the ruling does not determine that an unlawful agreement existed or that any defendant is liable.

🏆 11. Awards, Certifications & Recognition

Smurfit Westrock named among TIME's World's Best Companies

Smurfit Westrock has been recognized by TIME among the World's Best Companies for the third consecutive year.

The ranking evaluates companies across employee satisfaction, revenue growth and sustainability transparency. Smurfit Westrock climbed 15 positions from the previous year to rank 190th overall and 12th in the engineering, manufacturing and medical technology category.

The company's 2025 sustainability highlights included the launch of its Better Planet Targets and issuance of more than $1.3 billion in green bonds.

Cascades earns recognition for products, sustainability and corporate citizenship

Cascades has received multiple recognitions covering leadership, innovation and talent development.

Its Fluff Excellence bathroom-tissue line, launched in 2025, was named Best Canadian Product in its category at the 33rd Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards.

Cascades was also named among Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens by Corporate Knights for the 20th consecutive year. The company moved up to 8th overall while retaining its position as the highest-ranked company in the containers and packaging industry.

The company also launched its fifth sustainability plan in June, described as its most ambitious to date.

⚙️ 12. Operations & Supply Chain

Operational efficiency is a recurring theme across this week's developments rather than a standalone story category.

Geris is adding equipment to improve converting-line performance; KAMA is improving paper properties through a new latex binder; Valmet is supporting recovery-boiler and evaporation-plant reliability; and Supremex is investing in internal converting and finishing capabilities.

Together, these developments point to a broader industry focus on quality, reliability, production efficiency, reduced subcontracting and better use of existing assets.

🔄 13. Restarts, Rebuilds & Modernization

There is no separate restart or rebuild story in the newsletter. Modernization, however, is prominent in the week's investment coverage, particularly Valmet's planned work at Södra Mönsterås and Supremex's equipment upgrades across its North American facilities.

📅 Industry Event

LatamCORR returns to Mexico City in 2027

LatamCORR will return to Mexico City on June 9–10, 2027, at the Hilton Mexico City Reforma, alongside LatamPaper Mexico 2027.

The event connects corrugated-board manufacturers and corrugated-box converters from Latin America with international suppliers of machinery, equipment, consumables, technology and specialized services.

Mexico is particularly significant to LatamCORR because the event was launched there in 2024. Following the joint format's continuation in Buenos Aires in May 2026, the event will return to Mexico City for its next international edition.