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

ipw news

Toscotec will take part in the XXXIV International Congress & Expoacotepac 2026, taking place in Cali, Colombia, on February 25, 26, and 27 at the Ritz Hall Hotel Dann Carlton Cali. As one of the most prominent events for the paper industry in Colombia, Central, and South America, Expoacotepac offers a valuable opportunity for Toscotec to engage with regional leaders and decision-makers.

Dong Tien-Long An Paper JSC has successfully started up a recycled fiber line at its board production mill in Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam. This new OCC (old corrugated containers) line, the third supplied by international technology group ANDRITZ, is designed to process 330 t/d of mixed OCC for the production of high-quality testliner serving both domestic and export markets. The addition of this third line is a strategic step that increases Dong Tien’s production capacity, further enhances pulp quality, and strengthens its commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Valmet expands its automation solutions portfolio in the process industries and announces the release of Valmet FlexBatch^® 8, the latest version of its advanced batch automation and recipe management software. Valmet FlexBatch was originally developed for Valmet D3 automation system and with the newest version, it is fully integrated both with Valmet DNAe and Valmet D3 automation solutions.

Registration is now officially open for Chemspec Europe 2026, returning to Koelnmesse, Cologne on 6–7 May 2026. As a cross-sector sourcing hub for fine and speciality chemicals, Chemspec Europe brings together producers, buyers and technical experts from across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, speciality materials, coatings, personal care, electronics, energy and many other industries that rely on chemical solutions.

SCA and Petteri Kalela have agreed that Kalela will leave his role as Head of Business Areas Containerboard and Pulp. “I would like to extend my warm thanks to Petteri for his valuable contributions and strong commitment to SCA during his time with us, and wish him every success in his future career,” says SCA’s President and CEO, Ulf Larsson.

Sappi Europe announces a price increase of €50/ton on its Woodfree Coated (WFC) sheets portfolio, effective 16 March 2026. Over the past months, market prices for Woodfree Coated sheets have fallen heavily, driven by weak demand and intense competitive pressure. This decline has pushed selling prices to levels that no longer reflect the underlying cost realities of the industry.

Steinbeis Papier GmbH, manufacturer of recycled graphical papers in Europe, has announced a significant leadership transition. Effective 1 February 2026, Dr Frank Wenig will succeed Andreas Rauscher as Technical Managing Director.

Handling lubricating grease can be a physically demanding task for maintenance engineers. This is especially true when thick grease has to be delivered using ergonomically unfavourable hand pumps. The Lutz Lube Drive filling tool, which can be powered by a cordless screwdriver, provides relief. It will be on display from 25 to 26 February at the Pumps & Valves 2026 trade fair in Dortmund (Hall 7, Stand 7228). Lutz Pumpen will also be showcasing the Battery B2 mobile drum pump, designed to make transferring liquids from canisters and hobbocks easier.

The Navigator Company will be implementing a 30 USD/t price increase in Uncoated Woodfree (UWF) Papers in Overseas markets. The new pricing is effective immediately. This new adjustment continues to result from pressure on key cost components, coupled with the need to rebalance margins in the context of solid reinforcement of order books across the industry.

Kesla Oyj is expanding its small harvester crane product line by introducing new, more versatile HF versions. The updated 6H series meets the growing demand for lightweight thinning machines and offers manufacturers an even more durable crane solution with improved operating characteristics.

Valmet continues to lead the way towards circularity by introducing Bioneer press roll covers. The new innovative press roll covers are manufactured by applying recycled, renewable and bio-based raw materials, thereby enabling Valmet and its customers to reduce reliance on fossil resources.

The updated list of Exhibitors has been published in the MIAC Digital Catalogue of the Lucca exhibition (Italy). MIAC - the International Exhibition of the Paper Industry - has represented for over thirty years the annual benchmark event for professionals in the paper industry. From 7 to 9 October 2026, the Lucca Exhibition Centre will host the 32nd edition of the event.

Lessebo Paper is entering into a collaboration with Kalmar Kuvert that enables customers in Sweden, Norway and Denmark to order the uncoated premium paper Scandia 2000 in smaller volumes. From 15 January 2026, the paper will be available via Kalmar Kuvert in pack orders and quantities up to a full pallet, complementing Lessebo Paper’s direct sales of larger volumes and project-based orders.

bio-fibre news

The agreement between Södra and the Ingka Group’s investment company, Ingka Investments, regarding Södra’s forest holdings in the Baltics has now been approved and finalised.