PaperAge

July 2, 2026 - Koehler Paper announced that it will increase the price for its recycled papers by 6% for deliveries starting September 1, 2026. In a press release, Koehler said, "The price adjustment is driven by ongoing cost increases for raw materials used in the production of recycled paper, as well as for energy and in the global freight and logistics structure.

Arbex will manufacture, market and distribute consumer and professional products across more than 70 markets on five continents. July 2, 2026 - Suzano announced the completion of its acquisition of a 51% equity interest in FamPro Tissue Holdings B.V. from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, which has resulted in a new joint venture called Arbex. Arbex on July 1 began operations as an independent business.

The Rosenthal mill in Germany produces 360,000 tonnes of kraft pulp (NBSK) per year. July 2, 2026 - Mercer International said that it will extend a maintenance shutdown at its German pulp mill, Mercer Rosenthal, to cover the entire month of September 2026. Originally, the shutdown was scheduled for two weeks. Mercer said that it is working with production, wood procurement, logistics, and pulp sales to coordinate this undertaking with customers and stakeholders.

Respondents in the study see strong interest in fibre-based packaging, with its share of the global food packaging market is expected to rise from 37% today to 42% by 2045.

June 26, 2026 - International Paper on Aug. 26 announced plans to cease its preprint operations at its Richwood, Kentucky facility, and close its Aurora, Illinois sheet plant and converting plants in Elk Grove, California and Barrington, New Jersey by the end of the third quarter 2026. The company said that the measures reflect its ongoing strategy to strengthen its cost position, increase capacity, and provide customers with the highest quality sustainable packaging solutions.

June 29, 2026 - Norske Skog ASA announced that Mads Eikeland has been appointed Managing Director of Norske Skog Skogn AS, effective 1 September 2026. Eikeland currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at Norske Skog Skogn AS, a position he has held since 2022, following his previous role as Finance Manager at the same mill. As a result, Eikeland brings extensive experience from the business and strong insight into both operations and the organisation.

The Pulp and Paperworks' Resource Council annual Washington, D.C., fly-in provides the PPRC with an impactful opportunity to visit with Congressional and Administration leaders on environmental issues impacting our industry. June 26, 2026 - Approximately 85 American workers employed in the U.S. forest products industry descended on Washington, D.C., this week and made more than 539 visits with members of Congress and administration officials.

Voith is introducing PluraMaze, a new generation of refiner fillings designed to significantly improve energy efficiency and lifetime. June 25, 2026 - Voith introduces PluraMaze, a new generation of refiner fillings designed to significantly improve energy efficiency and lifetime. The new solution addresses key challenges faced by paper manufacturers worldwide, including rising energy costs, increasing pressure on efficiency and changing raw material qualities.

June 25, 2026 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the May 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in May increased 12% compared to May 2025. They were up 6% when compared to the same 5 months of 2025. The unbleached packaging papers operating rate declined to 89% in May after nearly hitting 93% in April. Shipments of bleached food wrapping were up 5.6% from last May, and up 3.4% year-to-date.

June 25, 2026 - Smurfit Westrock on June 15 filed an official WARN Notice with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, notifying the agency of a permanent closure effective August 14, 2026. The affected location is located at 302 Hartman Drive, Lebanon, Tennessee. The total number of affected workers is 52. In the WARN letter, Smurfit Westrock noted that the employees at the facility are not represented by a collective bargaining agreement and do not have bumping rights.