January 2026 was a defining month for the global paper & packaging industry.
From International Paper’s landmark corporate split to major financial restructurings, capacity expansions, ESG milestones, and evolving market signals, the industry entered 2026 in full transformation mode.
- International Paper’s separation of packaging and paper businesses reshaped the global landscape
- Stora Enso’s forest demerger and Lecta’s €400m recapitalisation signaled strategic realignment
- New paper machines, recycling facilities, and converting investments advanced globally
- Financial updates from West Fraser, Graphic Packaging International , Greif, and Essity highlighted market realities
- Sustainability leadership accelerated with CDP, FSC, TNFD, and carbon-efficiency milestones
- Pulp, recovered paper, and chemical pricing trends reflected ongoing volatility
- Automation, AI, and digital manufacturing continued to gain traction across mills and converters
They’ve consolidated all major January developments into one comprehensive global industry update, covering strategy, financials, markets, sustainability, and technology.