Major Announcements

Smurfit Westrock will close in early October, according to the Iowa WARN site.

Sappi Europe has announced the initiation of a consultation process at its Kirkniemi Mill in Finland as part of a proposed asset restructure. This step is being taken in response to a structural decline in demand across Europe and sustained financial challenges. The proposed changes are intended to ensure long term competitiveness in the Graphic Paper Market and align production capacity with changing market dynamics and customer needs.

Novolex®, a leading manufacturer in the food and beverage packaging industry, announced that James "JT" Jones has been appointed Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), effective August 11, 2025. In this role, Jones will be responsible for leading the company's global procurement team, processes and strategy. He will be based in Lake Forest, IL and will report to Novolex Chairman and CEO, Stan Bikulege.

The paper and paper-based packaging industry's national research and promotion program, administered by the Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB), will not continue following the results of the July continuance referendum vote.

Carmichael joins Kimberly-Clark after three decades at Nestlé, most recently serving as President and CEO of Nestlé Canada, where he oversaw a broad portfolio that included ice cream, coffee, beverages, water, confectionery, nutrition and pet care.

The International Society of Automation (ISA) -- the leading professional society for automation -- has announced the program for the 2025 ISA Automation Summit & Expo (ASE) this fall at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

Georgia-Pacific is sharing the news that Christian Fischer, president and CEO, announced he is retiring from the company at the end of October and will work to transition his responsibilities beginning in August. Christian joined Georgia-Pacific in 1989 and has held numerous leadership roles. He was named president and CEO in 2017. Mark Luetters, currently executive vice president of Koch, Inc., with responsibility overseeing several Koch companies, including Georgia-Pacific, will continue in that role while serving as Georgia-Pacific's president and CEO.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has finalized antidumping duties on softwood lumber imports from Canada, setting rates between 9.65% and 35.53% for entries made during 2023.

In an open letter, Ross County business and government leaders said the sudden shift from closing at the end of the year to shutting down on Aug. 10 not only disrupted the future planning of families and businesses, but also damaged the trust between H.I.G. Capital and the community.

A unique opportunity to acquire high-capacity paper manufacturing equipment and mill support assets is set to unfold as three leading industrial asset management firms--PPL Group, CRG, and Rabin Worldwide--join forces to conduct a public auction of the former Ponderay Newsprint Mill located in Usk, Washington. The auction will be held online and the two-day sale will be on July 22nd and July 23rd. Pre-Auction offers are encouraged.

Cascades Inc. announces that its corrugated medium manufacturing facility in Niagara Falls, NY will be permanently closed as part of the optimization of the Company's packaging production platform. Production will end no later than September 3, 2025.

American Forest & Paper Association President and CEO Heidi Brock issued a statement in response to H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, being signed into law.

Novolex ®, a leading manufacturer in the food and beverage packaging industry, announced that Tamer Abuaita has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. In this new role, Abuaita will oversee all Novolex global operating functions. He will be based in Charlotte, NC and will report to Novolex Chairman and CEO, Stan Bikulege. Abuaita succeeds Doug Owenby, who has served as Interim COO during the company's initial integration with Pactiv Evergreen. Owenby will continue in an advisory capacity.

As previously announced, Metsä Group's new President and CEO Jussi Vanhanen assumes his role today, 1 July 2025. He brings to the role extensive international leadership experience, particularly in the forest industry.

A unique opportunity to acquire high-capacity paper manufacturing equipment and mill support assets is set to unfold as three leading industrial asset management firms--PPL Group, CRG, and Rabin Worldwide--join forces to conduct a public auction of the former Ponderay Newsprint Mill located in Usk, Washington. The auction will be held online and the two-day sale will be on July 22nd and July 23rd. Pre-Auction offers are encouraged.

Norske Skog Skogn will enter the European market for book paper during the Q2 2026. The new product, branded NOR Book, will be offered in standard qualities pertaining to bulkiness, brightness, and shade.

The inauguration brought together nearly 20 clients from CMPC's pulp, boxboard, sack kraft, and wood businesses. Guests were welcomed into the company's newly remodeled offices and participated in a series of events aimed at reinforcing collaboration and mutual growth.

30,000 Tons of Specialty Paper Capacity Returns Online to Meet Growing Demand for Sustainable Food Packaging

The Pixelle paper mill in Chillicothe is set to officially shut its doors on Aug. 10. The company issued an updated notice Tuesday morning, announcing the official closure date.

International Paper, a global leader in sustainable packaging, on June 3 announced the strategic exploration of a new sustainable packaging facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The exploration of a prospective new facility is part of International Paper's strategic growth plans to expand manufacturing capabilities in the United States. The company is eyeing Utah to increase its footprint in the region and better serve customers by meeting the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable packaging.

Two-Day Online Auction Scheduled for June 4-5, 2025, Featuring Extensive Paper Production Equipment from a 135-Year-Old Facility

Tom Erik Foss-Jacobsen has been appointed CEO of Borregaard ASA. He succeeds Per A. Sørlie, who will retire after 26 years in the position.

It has proposed closing five packaging sites in the UK following a strategic review of the region. It did not specify which locations are earmarked for closure.

Kadant Black Clawson LLC, a subsidiary of Kadant Inc., successfully started up a new lightweight recycled containerboard line at Cascades' Bear Island facility in Ashland, Virginia.

Graphic Packaging Holding Company announced that Alessandro Maselli has joined its Board of Directors. Mr. Maselli is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalent Pharma Solutions and a member of its Board.