Recent Articles

In this issue of Disconnected Comparisons, we evaluate Mercer International and PotlatchDeltic.

Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, announces its results for the third quarter of 2025 (3Q25), reporting sales of 3.6 million tonnes of pulp and paper combined, a 20% increase on the same quarter last year (3Q24). The positive result is driven by the operations of the Ribas do Rio Pardo pulp mill, inaugurated in 2024, and by the integration of paper production from assets acquired in the United States in October 2024.

Board takes action to protect long-term value for all shareowners in response to Atlas Holdings' termination of cooperation agreement.

Interfor Corporation reported a net loss of $216 million for the third quarter of 2025, compared with earnings of $11 million in the prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $184 million on sales of $689 million, versus a gain of $17 million on $781 million in Q2.

Sappi Europe will raise prices for its coated mechanical reels by 5 to 7%, effective 1 January 2026. The company cites persistently high costs for energy, transport, labour, chemicals and fibre as the primary driver for the increase, noting that internal efficiency measures have been insufficient to offset the structural cost pressures.

Net income was $34 million, less than half the previous quarter's result.

Valmet introduces the next-generation Valmet Wet End Analyzer, designed to help paper, board, and tissue producers improve wet end processes to achieve superior product quality, improved process stability, and reduced operating costs.

Genera, a leading U.S. manufacturer of sustainable packaging, has successfully started up advanced non-wood pulping and stock preparation systems supplied by international technology group ANDRITZ.

Valmet has been awarded a Gold Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment, placing the company among the top 5% of more than 150,000 companies assessed worldwide.

Shanying Suzhou Paper has commenced operations of its new PM 71 paper machine at its mill in Suzhou, China, strengthening its annual corrugating medium output by 350,000 tons.

Acquisition will bring industry-leading innovation and best-in-class service to enhance customer experience and value.

World's largest pulp supplier, Suzano, has entered into a new collaboration with INSEAD, one of the world's leading graduate business schools.

In early 2026, a pilot project for carbon capture will be launched at the Värö industrial site. The initiative aims to build knowledge around the technology and explore new business opportunities using biogenic carbon dioxide as a raw material.

Valmet has announced that, starting November 10, the company will begin negotiations aimed at implementing temporary layoffs within its Packaging and Paper business area, as well as units within Global Supply in Finland.

UPM Energy's ultracapacitor at the Kuusankoski hydropower plant is now operational. The six-megawatt device stores energy and provides balancing power to the electricity grid. The need for fast and flexible balancing power has increased with the growing use of renewable, weather-dependent forms of energy, such as wind and solar power. The investment, announced in August 2024, triples UPM's ultracapacitor capacity and further strengthens the ability of hydropower to balance the electricity grid quickly and efficiently.

Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions has announced its 2026 training and certification exam schedule. The expert-led workshops provide in-depth, hands-on instruction with a wide range of films, including Supreme Wrapping Film™/Vehicle Color Change, Commercial Wraps, Wet-Apply and Dry-Apply Paint Protection Film, and Automotive and Architectural Window Film. All skill levels are welcome. No previous experience is required.

UPM Specialty Papers has launched an improved version of its proprietary UPM Forte™ precoating technology that helps labelstock manufacturers and siliconizers maximize the competitiveness of their production and can also support their sustainability goals. UPM Forte is now available across a wide range of UPM glassine papers.

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has completed the transition to polyethylene (PE)-free wrappers for its entire Mondi-branded cut-size paper portfolio produced at Mondi SCP in Ružomberok, Slovakia. The Neusiedler mill in Austria is scheduled to complete its transition to PE wrappers by 2026. This milestone strengthens Mondi's position as an industry leader in sustainable paper solutions and supports customers in meeting sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

UPM Communication Papers is launching a new climate action roadmap, marking a significant milestone in accelerating its climate actions.

Graphic Packaging International ("Graphic Packaging"), a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, has invested in six state-of-the-art equipment solutions at its facility in Poznań, Poland, reinforcing its position as one of Europe's premier packaging manufacturing plants for both high-end beauty packaging and high-efficiency food packaging.

Metsä Board's recent comparative life cycle assessment* compared the carbon footprint of berry trays made from three different materials: MetsäBoard Prime FBB EB, PET and recycled R-PET.

At the 82nd Annual Paperboard Packaging Competition (PPC Awards) on November 5, Graphic Packaging secured nine wins, demonstrating how intelligent packaging design addresses real challenges across the food, beverage, healthcare, and beauty sectors. The wins include the prestigious Richard DePaul Award, five Gold Awards, and three Excellence Awards.

Essity has selected Accenture and Microsoft to help the global hygiene and health company accelerate the use of AI agents to unlock value and drive efficiencies and growth through improved business agility.

PotlatchDeltic Corporation, as part of the global Forestry Natural Capital Project, joined 17 other forestry organizations representing stewardship of forests in 38 countries, in unveiling a major milestone in the sector's global collaboration to make nature's value visible in financial decision making.

UFP Factory Built introduces BRAWN™, a brand of structural and custom components engineered to make factory-built homes, RVs, and cargo trailers stronger, more reliable, and easier to build. Backed by UFP Industries' decades of experience in sourcing, engineering, and manufacturing expertise, BRAWN delivers performance, precision, and peace of mind.