Valmet’s new R&D program Industrial NEXUS advances industrial renewal through an ecosystem focused on digital technologies and operating models

Valmet’s new R&D program Industrial NEXUS advances industrial renewal through an ecosystem focused on digital technologies and operating models

Valmet is launching a research and development program Industrial NEXUS to drive industrial renewal in Finland through digital technologies and further strengthen the appeal of industrial careers together with the program’s ecosystem partners. Business Finland has granted EUR 15 million in funding for the Industrial NEXUS program and is also preparing to fund Valmet’s ecosystem projects with EUR 40 million. Valmet will invest EUR 55 million in the program over the next five years. Through this investment, the company advances its technology vision and drives growth. The estimated global export potential of the program is EUR 6.5 billion by 2035.

François HENIN François HENIN
Georgia‑Pacific announces plans to expand premium tissue capacity

Georgia‑Pacific announces plans to expand premium tissue capacity

To better meet growing customer and consumer demand for premium bath tissue and paper towels, Georgia-Pacific today announced that it has begun final engineering and planning for additional structured paper machines and associated converting equipment. The company expects to shorten project schedules and optimize capital deployment by leveraging existing site infrastructure and is evaluating its facilities in the central and western portions of the U.S. Site selections will be announced at a later date.

Stephane RICHARD Stephane RICHARD
Tradeshow Paper Bioeconomy 2026: emtec’s cutting-edge measurement technology for optimizing paper production

Tradeshow Paper Bioeconomy 2026: emtec’s cutting-edge measurement technology for optimizing paper production

Once again, this year emtec Electronic will participate in the Paper Bioeconomy Conference & Tradeshow in Graz, Austria, presenting its innovative measurement solutions. Visitors willhave the opportunity to meet emtec’s sales representative Stefan Ruebesam at a tabletop and learn more about the company’s latest technologies for process optimization and quality control in the pulp, paper and tissue industries.

François HENIN François HENIN
SOFIDEL celebrates its first 60 years with the Giro d'Italia

SOFIDEL celebrates its first 60 years with the Giro d'Italia

In the year of the company’s 60th anniversary, the 11th stage of the Corsa Rosa—officially sponsored by Regina, the Group’s flagship brand—will see its "KM 0" start at the headquarters on Via Giuseppe Lazzareschi in Porcari (Lucca).

François HENIN François HENIN
Essity initiates strategic review of the Consumer Tissue business area

Essity initiates strategic review of the Consumer Tissue business area

The hygiene and health company Essity initiates a strategic review of the Consumer Tissue business area’s global operations. The review will evaluate strategic alternatives with the aim of creating the best possible conditions for the Consumer Tissue business and the Group to develop to their full potential and maximize value creation.

Stephane RICHARD Stephane RICHARD
The Navigator Company strengthens its presence in France with the launch of Mr. Propre paper towels

The Navigator Company strengthens its presence in France with the launch of Mr. Propre paper towels

Manufactured and marketed by The Navigator Company under license from Procter & Gamble (P&G), the new Mr Propre paper towel product line marks a strategic milestone in the group’s tissue business evolution within the French market. The partnership with P&G—a global leader in consumer goods—confirms Navigator’s industrial, operational, and qualitative capacity to develop and manage leading brands in highly competitive categories.

François HENIN François HENIN
Laura Lundell appointed as SVP, Strategy of Metsä Fibre

Laura Lundell appointed as SVP, Strategy of Metsä Fibre

M. Sc. (Tech), Executive MBA Laura Lundell has been appointed as SVP, Strategy of Metsä Fibre and a member of the Metsä Fibre Management Team as of 1 June 2026. In her role, she will report to CEO Ismo Nousiainen. Lundell has several years of experience in strategy and business development roles within the pulp industry.

François HENIN François HENIN
Fibre Excellence has been placed in administration with a six-month observation period; next hearing on 17 June

Fibre Excellence has been placed in administration with a six-month observation period; next hearing on 17 June

On 27 April, the Toulouse Commercial Court ruled on the future of the French market pulp producer Fibre Excellence. The company has been placed in administration with a six-month observation period, “during which an economic and social assessment will be carried out and proposals put forward regarding the continuation or sale of the business.” Fibre Excellence’s management must appear in court on 3 June, with the court due to rule on the company’s situation on 17 June.

François HENIN François HENIN
Challenging first quarter for Södra

Challenging first quarter for Södra

Södra delivered a positive result for the first quarter of 2026. The result was strongly impacted by the divestment of Södra’s forest holdings in the Baltics. A challenging market environment distinguished the quarter with weak demand and a continued imbalance between the raw material market and the markets for Södra’s products.

François HENIN François HENIN
Fibre Excellence applies for administration with business continuity

Fibre Excellence applies for administration with business continuity

The management and employee representatives of Fibre Excellence appeared before the Toulouse Commercial Court on Tuesday 21 April. An application for administration with business continuity has been made. According to the company, “this step is part of a clear commitment to finding a solution that will preserve the combined production of market pulp and renewable electricity in France, as well as the jobs and partners who have supported the group during this difficult period. This procedure should enable us to examine the most appropriate solutions to ensure the company’s long-term viability under the best possible conditions. Management would like to thank the Minister for Industry, the President of the Occitanie Region, the President of the Sud Region, the trade unions and all employees committed to finding a sustainable solution.” The court’s ruling will be handed down on 27 April.

François HENIN François HENIN
Fibre Excellence: Commercial Court ruling expected April 27; operations continue

Fibre Excellence: Commercial Court ruling expected April 27; operations continue

On April 17, Fibre (FE) issued the following press release: “Following the latest discussions between the shareholder and the State, no solution has been found to prevent the group from being placed under the protection of the Commercial Court. Following the filing of the declaration of cessation of payments on April 15, the court will hear from management and employee representatives on April 21, before issuing its ruling on April 27 regarding the continuation of operations. To date, industrial activity continues. Management thanks the Occitanie and Sud Regions, as well as the State, for their sustained involvement in the effort to avoid insolvency proceedings.”

François HENIN François HENIN
Automation is becoming the operating system of modern industry

Automation is becoming the operating system of modern industry

Automation is no longer a nice-to-have but optional efficiency tool. It is now a strategic necessity that belongs on the board agenda, to be discussed alongside AI. In a world of geopolitical uncertainties, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, cost pressures, energy insecurity and high expectations for uptime, companies that deploy automation will be far better placed to remain resilient, competitive and – ultimately – relevant.

François HENIN François HENIN
Kimberly-Clark Announces Post-Closing Organizational Structure and Identifies Key Leadership

Kimberly-Clark Announces Post-Closing Organizational Structure and Identifies Key Leadership

Kimberly‑Clark Corporation today announced the organizational structure and key leadership that will become effective upon completion of its pending acquisition of Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE). The organizational structure, roles, and responsibilities reflect the fast-and-lean, balanced matrix approach that has built strong operating momentum at Kimberly-Clark since implementing its Powering Care strategy two years ago.

François HENIN François HENIN