below please find a selection of the latest news from the world of pulp and paper.

ipw news

Valmet has received an order from Papirnica Vevce d.o.o in Ljubljana, Slovenia, to supply a Valmet IQ Web Inspection System (WIS) to inspect paper web quality. This is the first order for the Valmet IQ WIS with new high-performance Valmet area cameras. The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the first quarter 2025. Its value will not be disclosed. The delivery is scheduled for August 2025, and the start-up for September.

The aim of the WEPA Group is to offer high-quality products as a reliable partner for its customers. To ensure this in the future and to expand its competitiveness, the WEPA Group has announced significant investments at its site in Bridgend, UK. The main focus is on the construction of a new paper machine with a planned annual production capacity of 70,000 tons. Furthermore, there will be two new converting lines and a complete modernisation of the palletising of the site. The project shall be realised within the next two years.

From 4–5 June, the international fine and speciality chemicals industry will gather at Koelnmesse, Germany, for the 38th edition of Chemspec Europe – the sector’s sourcing hub for chemical innovation in pharma and industry. Set in vibrant Cologne, near some of Europe’s largest chemical parks and pharma sites, the event provides a perfect gateway to connect with international professionals in chemical development and manufacturing. Over two days, more than 400 key suppliers from 22 countries will share their expertise in fine chemicals, custom solutions, and specialised contract services – supported by high-level talks and regulatory guidance.

From July 01–03 2025 Bellmer will present its extensive portfolio for paper production at booth 148 in Hall North of the RheinMain CongressCenter – with a special focus on intelligent, energy-efficient end-to-end solutions for the entire production process.

Valmet will supply an extensive rebuild for Sylvamo’s paper machine PM 2 in Eastover, South Carolina, USA. The rebuild for the paper machine will include a new headbox, enhancements to various sections of the machine, and Industrial Internet solutions. The start-up is scheduled for the end of 2026. The order was included in Valmet's orders received of the first quarter 2025. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

On June 04 and 05, the pulp and paper industry will meet in Austria at the Paper & Biorefinery Conference & Tradeshow. The German company emtec Electronic is specifically meeting this year´s motto “Fiber – Energy – Water. Closing the loops for a better tomorrow” with its innovative measurement technology.

Mondi is pleased to announce that following the start-up of its state-of-the-art paper machine at its Štetí mill (Czech Republic) in December 2024, early production runs have demonstrated excellent results in terms of strength, runnability and consistent quality. The new machine enables Mondi to meet the rising demand for paper-based flexible packaging while strengthening the Group’s vertically integrated Paper Bags business. It also supports the optimisation of production efficiency across the Group’s entire kraft paper portfolio.

Gulf Paper Manufacturing and Toscotec started up PM2 after a forming section upgrade at their Mina Abdullah facility in Kuwait. The successful completion of this rebuild marks a new important stepping stone in the cooperation between the two companies, after Toscotec performed a major dryer section rebuild of Gulf Paper’s packaging paper machine in 2019.

International technology group Andritz has received an order from Green Bay Packaging Inc. to supply a recovery boiler, evaporation plant and power boiler for its pulp mill in Morrilton, Arkansas, USA. With this significant financial investment in new key process technologies, Green Bay Packaging will support efficient and reliable mill operation for decades to come. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

GF has signed an agreement to acquire VAG-Group, headquartered in Mannheim (Germany), a renowned global manufacturer and supplier of water utility valve solutions. The transaction is a next step toward GF’s vision of becoming the global leader in Flow Solutions and allows GF to leverage its market position in the infrastructure sector, especially in Europe and the Middle East.

Valmet is to deliver a disc filter refurbishment and reinstallation to Holmen Paper’s Braviken Paper Mill in Sweden. The delivery includes refurbishing and modifying an existing disc filter from the mill’s deinked pulp line (DIP) and reinstalling it in the mill’s thermomechanical pulp line (TMP). The refurbished disc filter will be equipped with Valmet Disc Filter Bags. The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the first quarter 2025. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

bio-fibre news

Johan Ericson, Director Sustainability & Public Affairs at Billerud, has deep knowledge of PPWR and its implications for the packaging industry. With new regulations shaping the future of packaging, businesses need to understand how to adapt. We asked him five questions about what to expect and how to prepare.

International technology group Andritz has successfully started up a complete neXline spunlace line for International Paper LLC Uzbek at its plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The new production line enables International Paper LLC to produce high-quality spunlace wipes, both under its own brand and for other converters. This expansion opens new market opportunities, addressing the growing demand for spunlace wipes in Uzbekistan and neighboring countries. Additionally, the project aligns with the company’s sustainability goals by reducing its carbon footprint through minimized intercontinental shipments and boosting local employment in the Tashkent area.