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Pulp & Paper Chronicle:October 2026 Weekly Edition 2– Industry Roundup

PAPER INDUSTRY NEWS

Jino John

10/24/202611 min read

The second weekly edition of October 2026 reflects an industry investing in capacity, automation, renewable materials and more resilient supply chains, while continuing to manage operational risk and portfolio change. Across the stories, companies are expanding manufacturing and service networks, deploying artificial intelligence and energy-efficiency technologies, developing fiber-based packaging, and setting emissions or sourcing commitments. At the same time, flood damage, a deadly industrial accident, a missile strike and a lawsuit over alleged PFAS contamination underline the importance of recovery planning, worker safety and environmental management.

This article groups the newsletter’s stories by subject. Details and figures below are drawn from the provided newsletter; proposed projects, allegations and trial-stage initiatives are identified as such.

1. Investments, Expansions & New Projects

Stora Enso pilots speed-controlled motor technology in Finland

Stora Enso is piloting ABB’s MV Titanium medium-voltage motor, described in the newsletter as the first medium-voltage motor with built-in speed control, at its Varkaus Mill. The unit operates a primary air blower serving a fluidized-bed boiler and replaces a direct-on-line motor whose output was controlled with a damper. The mill produces about 420,000 tonnes of containerboard annually. The pilot is already delivering energy savings and supports the mill’s focus on efficiency and lower-carbon operations.

Valmet to deliver a new lightweight board line for Anhui Linping

Anhui Linping Circular Development has selected Valmet to supply a complete high-speed board-making line, PM 9, for its mill in Xiao County, China. The line is designed for lightweight fluting and liner grades and includes automation and lifecycle support. Building on an earlier PM 8 project at the same site, the investment is intended to broaden the customer’s product portfolio, improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Solenis relocates global pulp innovation centre to Brazil

Solenis has moved its Pulp Center of Excellence from the United States to a 500-square-metre facility in Paulínia, Brazil, alongside its existing technology centre. The site brings scientists, application expertise and advanced testing closer to pulp producers in a major pulp-producing region. The company says the move is intended to accelerate collaboration and the development of solutions for productivity, cost and sustainability challenges.

CurTec invests $10 million in US manufacturing and warehousing

CurTec USA plans a $10 million expansion at Westminster, South Carolina, expected to create 10 jobs. The project adds approximately 27,300 square feet and more than 2,000 pallet positions, with groundbreaking planned for October 2026 and completion expected in the second quarter of 2027. A new blow-moulding line is intended to expand domestic production to smaller packaging sizes, including 6- and 10-litre Click Pack pails, followed by smaller Wide Neck Drums in 2027.

Hansol Paper wins government support for AI papermaking project

Hansol Paper has been selected for a South Korean government programme to develop an AI-enabled papermaking factory. The four-year project, running through 2029, involves seven organisations and totals 12.2 billion won (about $8.6 million), including 8.5 billion won in government funding. Hansol plans to standardise process, equipment and quality data and develop AI models for thermal-energy optimisation, equipment fault diagnosis and quality analysis, with autonomous factory operations as a longer-term goal.

Voith expands its paper roll service centre in Louisiana

Voith marked completion of a multi-million-dollar expansion and modernisation of its West Monroe, Louisiana, paper roll service centre on October 13. The centre has grown by nearly 50% and includes a dedicated training facility for customers, employees and future industry professionals. A partnership with Louisiana Delta Community College and local schools is intended to strengthen skills development, while increased capacity and improved logistics are expected to support faster service.

Canada proposes $50 million for a digital forestry hub

The Canadian federal government has proposed a $50 million contribution toward an $86 million digital forestry innovation centre in New Brunswick. The planned centre would create a digital replica of provincial forests so foresters could model harvesting, reforestation and wildfire-management strategies before field implementation. A centralised dispatching system is also proposed to improve log transport and reduce empty truck journeys. Federal funding remains conditional on project approval.

UPM inaugurates renewable-chemicals biorefinery in Germany

UPM has inaugurated its Leuna biorefinery in Germany, which converts lignocellulosic biomass—primarily wood from sustainably managed forests and sawmill residues—into renewable chemicals. With annual capacity of 220,000 tonnes, the company describes it as the largest facility of its kind. Enzymatic hydrolysis and production of lignin-derived specialty chemicals have reached stable operation, and UPM is ramping up sales. The products are intended for applications including packaging, clothing, cosmetics, construction materials and tyres.

KAMA invests in mill infrastructure and reliability

KAMA, part of the Sveza industrial holding, invested more than 610 million rubles in equipment upgrades and infrastructure during the first nine months of 2026. Projects include wastewater-pumping upgrades, heating-main renewal and road repairs. A wastewater pumping programme is scheduled to continue through 2029; one of four planned pumps has been installed. The mill also replaced 950 metres of heating mains, with insulated pipes expected to last at least 50 years and estimated heat loss during transport of 2–5%.

Holmen improves renewable power generation at Workington

At Holmen’s Workington mill in the UK, an upgraded sootblowing system supplied by Heat Management improved the performance of a 150 MW biomass-fired boiler without adding machinery. The mill reported a 0.62-percentage-point increase in boiler electrical efficiency and average generator output about 1.0 MWe higher at similar fuel consumption. The additional renewable power is estimated to avoid approximately 2,065 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually compared with equivalent natural-gas generation.

2. Restarts, Rebuilds & Modernization

Shree Ajit Pulp and Paper restarts Unit 1 on a trial basis after floods

Shree Ajit Pulp and Paper resumed Unit 1 operations on a trial basis on the evening of October 11, 2026, following severe flooding in Gujarat. The Vapi-area facility had been rendered non-operational by waterlogging and infrastructure damage. The company disclosed the trial restart in a filing dated October 12, but had not provided a timeline for full-scale production or detailed the financial and supply-chain impact.

3. Shutdowns, Closures & Curtailments

Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill halts production after another attack

The Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill temporarily suspended production after a missile attack on the night of October 7, 2026, damaged manufacturing areas, storage buildings, equipment and utility infrastructure and triggered fires. The company reported no employee injuries. The incident was described as the third attack on the facility since March. Earlier strikes in March and April had also damaged industrial facilities and disrupted operations, adding to the challenge of restoring infrastructure.

4. M&A, Partnerships & Joint Ventures

Bellmer acquires Brazilian roll-services specialist Rolotipo

Paper and board machinery supplier Bellmer has acquired Rolotipo, a Brazilian specialist in roll covering and roll services. Founded in 1971, Rolotipo provides rubber roll coverings, grinding, drilling, dynamic balancing, shaft manufacturing and related services. Bellmer says the deal will broaden its service capabilities in South America by combining its process and equipment expertise with Rolotipo’s local experience.

SupplyOne acquires Packaging Design Corporation

SupplyOne has acquired Packaging Design Corporation, a custom corrugated packaging manufacturer based in Burr Ridge, Illinois. The business supplies branded packaging, point-of-purchase displays, e-commerce, retail, specialty and industrial packaging. Owner Scott Jones is expected to continue leading the company after closing. SupplyOne says the acquisition strengthens its Chicago-area presence and expands its branded packaging and display capabilities.

Millcraft buys Protective Packaging Products

Millcraft has acquired Protective Packaging Products (P3), a Louisville-based distributor of custom corrugated and protective packaging serving automotive and broader industrial customers. Founded in 2001, P3 provides customised packaging, inventory-management services, value-added assembly and rapid delivery. Millcraft says the acquisition supports the growth of its packaging business and adds specialised solutions.

Antalis agrees to acquire Papyrus distribution activities in Europe

Antalis, part of KPP Group, has signed a binding agreement to acquire Papyrus paper-distribution activities in Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Estonia, Latvia and Germany. The proposed transaction would reshape distribution coverage across several European markets. The newsletter reports the agreement, rather than a completed acquisition.

Read more: https://pulpandpaperchronicle.com/

Canadian coalition seeks to acquire RYAM’s Témiscaming mill

A Canadian coalition has sought to acquire Rayonier Advanced Materials’ Témiscaming mill. The proposal points to continuing interest in the future ownership and operation of established pulp and specialty-material assets. The newsletter identifies the move as an acquisition effort, not a completed transaction.

Read more: https://pulpandpaperchronicle.com/

International Paper considers sale of EMEA packaging business alongside spin-off

International Paper is evaluating a potential sale of its Europe, Middle East and Africa packaging business in parallel with a planned spin-off. The potential transaction forms part of a wider portfolio review and could change the company’s geographic and business structure. The newsletter presents the sale as under evaluation.

Read more: https://pulpandpaperchronicle.com/

5. Financial Results & Market Performance

International Paper declares quarterly dividends

International Paper declared a quarterly dividend of $0.4625 per common share for the October–December 2026 period, payable December 15 to shareholders of record on November 16. It also declared a $1.00-per-share quarterly dividend on its cumulative $4.00 preferred stock, with the same payment and record dates.

6. Sustainability & Circular Economy

Greif’s emissions targets validated by SBTi

Greif announced that the Science Based Targets initiative has validated its greenhouse-gas reduction targets, following the company’s commitment in April 2026. Using fiscal 2024 as the baseline, Greif aims to cut absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% and Scope 3 emissions by 17.5% by fiscal 2030, and reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90% by fiscal 2050.

DREWSEN and Avacon trial flexible power-to-heat for lower-carbon paper

DREWSEN Spezialpapiere and Avacon are testing a flexible grid connection at Lachendorf, Germany. DREWSEN plans to use a power-to-heat system to convert electricity into heat for paper production, drawing extra power when grid capacity is available and reducing consumption when the network needs that capacity elsewhere. The system is currently planned to become operational in autumn 2027; the trial will test the approach under real operating conditions.

7. Products & Innovation

Kadant introduces nanotechnology-enhanced doctor blade

Kadant Solutions introduced the nPak C+R doctor blade, featuring nanotechnology-enhanced design. The product is intended for papermaking applications where doctor-blade performance is important to machine operation and process consistency.

Sabert Europe unveils its largest product catalogue

Sabert Europe released a catalogue featuring more than 800 SKUs, reflecting the integration of Colpac, continued product development and investment in innovation. Available in print and digital formats in English, French and German, it presents packaging options for foodservice operators, retailers, processors and food-to-go businesses. The company says the expanded range allows customers to source more packaging solutions from a single partner.

Billerud expands fiber-based pharmaceutical packaging with PharmaKraft

Billerud has expanded its pharmaceutical packaging offering with PharmaKraft, a fiber-based material designed for non-sterile dry pharmaceutical applications. Intended uses include sachets, stick packs, strip packs and blister lidding. The product is positioned as an alternative to conventional packaging structures, while addressing the sector’s requirements for purity, quality and reliable converting performance.

Smurfit Westrock accelerates Corona Cero packaging launch

Smurfit Westrock and AB InBev collaborated on a seven-bottle Corona Cero package built around the “7 Days, 7 Moments” concept. Using Smurfit Westrock’s Design2Market process, teams developed and refined a scalable design in weeks. The system includes a consumer pack and corrugated transport packaging. The newsletter connects the launch to growing consumer interest in alcohol-free beverages and notes that the design won the 2026 Paperboard Packaging Council’s Richard DePaul Award for Creative Converting & Design.

YESTAR selects premium recycled paper for Lunar New Year gifts

Chinese medical-aesthetics and health-services company YESTAR selected ruby-coloured Creative Board from Koehler Paper’s Greenium brand for Lunar New Year VIP gift packaging. The recycled paper offers strong colour, printability and finishing options and carries the Blue Angel and EU Ecolabel certifications. The design uses a deep red associated with Lunar New Year traditions to create a premium presentation.

8. Leadership & Corporate Updates

Södra reshapes senior management across key business areas

Södra announced changes to group senior management effective October 13, intended to strengthen business development and long-term value creation. The changes affect Södra Cell, Södra Wood and Södra Skog. Within Södra Cell, Marcus Åsgärde will become Head of Strategy and Technology, working on industrial structure, product mix, investment and value-chain transformation alongside business-area president Catrin Gustavsson.

JK Paper appoints Gunjan Shah as President (Paper)

JK Paper appointed Gunjan Dinesh Kumar Shah as President (Paper), effective October 12, subject to Board approval. Shah brings nearly three decades of experience across consumer durables, retail, FMCG and telecommunications. He previously served as managing director and CEO of Bata India and held senior commercial and international-business roles at Britannia Industries. His background includes business transformation, expansion, supply-chain efficiency and technology initiatives.

9. Operations & Supply Chain

Digital forestry proposal targets better planning and timber logistics

The proposed New Brunswick digital forestry hub would use forest simulations and centralised dispatching to help plan harvesting and reforestation, manage wildfire risk and reduce empty truck miles. Alongside the investment story, it highlights how digital tools may improve wood supply reliability and logistics for forest-product industries.

CurTec expansion links local production with inventory resilience

CurTec’s planned US manufacturing and warehouse expansion is also a supply-chain initiative: additional storage positions and local production are intended to increase flexibility, improve availability and reduce dependence on shipping the full product range from elsewhere.

10. Incidents, Safety & Environmental Events

Augusta water utility sues paper and packaging companies over alleged PFAS contamination

The Greater Augusta Utility District has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that PFAS associated with several paper, tissue and packaging companies contaminated groundwater serving drinking-water wells in the Augusta area. The companies named include Sappi North America, Huhtamaki, Kimberly-Clark, American Tissue Mills of Maine and American Tissue Corp. The district serves about 13,750 residents. The complaint alleges multiple potential pathways, including wastewater, sludge, landfill leachate and stormwater. These are allegations in a lawsuit, not findings of liability.

Nippon Dynawave employees return as recovery continues after fatal tank failure

Most employees at Nippon Dynawave’s Longview, Washington, mill returned to the worksite under a negotiated plan following a May 26 chemical-tank failure that killed 11 people and injured eight. The return does not mean the mill has fully resumed production: several departments remain offline and repairs to critical tanks continue. Some employees will support safety reviews, training, housekeeping and operational readiness, while others will remain on paid status through at least January 17, according to the newsletter.

11. Awards, Certifications & Recognition

Sappi’s Algro Design Duo wins Gold for cartonboard packaging

Sappi’s Algro Design Duo won Gold in the Art of Cartonboard category at the European Carton Excellence Award 2026. The proof-of-concept perfume pack uses 360 g/m² cartonboard, with high whiteness and smooth surfaces supporting sharp print, silver cold transfer and blind embossing. A rich blue interior extends the visual experience to the inside of the pack.

Nekoosa mill recognised for energy efficiency

Domtar’s Nekoosa Mill in Wisconsin received the 2026 Energy Efficiency Excellence Award from Focus on Energy. The award recognises projects intended to reduce energy use, improve operations and deliver long-term savings. The mill’s energy team meets every two weeks to identify and advance efficiency opportunities, with programme support helping generate savings and broader community benefits.

Tetra Pak earns EcoVadis Platinum for a second year

Tetra Pak retained the EcoVadis Platinum medal for the second consecutive year and raised its score to 87 out of 100, up from 85 in 2025. The company remains in the top 1% of more than 150,000 assessed companies, according to the newsletter. Improvements were reported in environment, ethics and sustainable procurement, supported by expanded sustainability disclosures, indicators and supply-chain due diligence.

Sofidel receives FSC Italy’s Radici Comuni award

Sofidel received the FSC Italy “Radici Comuni” award in Florence for its contribution to promoting responsible forest management. The award was presented during an event marking 25 years of FSC Italy and recognising organisations supporting a sustainable transition in forest and wood-product supply chains. Sofidel’s Group Sustainability Director Riccardo Balducci accepted the award.