Paper, Nonwoven and Film News for June 26, 2026

Paper Advance reported that UPM is expanding the role of lignin in industrial resin applications as manufacturers look for bio-based alternatives in materials and adhesives. The story shows continued movement toward lower-fossil-input chemistries around paper, packaging and composite value chains.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: New coatings, binders and resin systems can change friction, dusting, heat response and web stiffness, so converters should qualify tension, slitting cleanliness and winding density before scaling new paper-based structures.

Source: Paper Advance on UPM lignin resin applications

Paper Advance covered a Fraunhofer laser process designed to seal paper packaging without adhesives. The development is part of the broader push to make paper-based packs easier to recycle while reducing glue and plastic components.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Adhesive-free paper packs raise the value of flat, cleanly slit and accurately wound paper webs because downstream sealing depends on stable edges, surface condition and repeatable web tracking.

Source: Paper Advance on laser sealing for paper packaging

PaperAge reported that Smurfit Westrock plans to close its folding carton plant in Lebanon, Tennessee, with the closure effective August 14, 2026. Plant rationalization can shift regional supply routes and capacity allocation for paper packaging customers.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: When packaging supply is reorganized, converters may need faster grade changes, better finished-roll traceability and more reliable rewind output to serve customers moving orders between plants.

Source: PaperAge on Smurfit Westrock Lebanon closure

Paper Advance reported that ND Paper's Biron mill improved performance through an energy strategy focused on efficiency and operations. The update reflects a continuing mill-level focus on output, energy cost and process stability.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Mill efficiency work often pushes downstream operations to remove bottlenecks too, making automation, splice control, trim handling and predictable roll build part of the investment case.

Source: Paper Advance on ND Paper Biron mill performance

MRO Magazine reported that Cascades is investing $15 million in a new tissue converting line at its Granby, Quebec facility, with production scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The project targets retail tissue demand, including regular and multi-pack toilet paper formats.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Tissue modernization confirms that roll handling, embossing, perforation, rewinding and packaging integration remain key levers for capacity growth, not only parent-roll production.

Source: MRO Magazine on Cascades Granby tissue converting line

North Carolina announced that Supreme Nonwoven Inc. will invest $25.8 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Lexington and create 50 jobs. The plant will serve apparel, automotive, filtration and industrial nonwoven markets.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Local nonwoven supply shortens lead times but raises expectations for precision slitting, inspection records and flexible rewinding capacity close to regional customers.

Source: North Carolina Governor's Office on Supreme Nonwoven

ANDRITZ said Turkish yarn manufacturer Goliplik is entering nonwovens with a neXline Wetlace line for bio-based, flushable wipes. Erection and commissioning are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Pulp-rich flushable substrates need gentle unwinding, stable low-tension control, clean perforation and consistent roll hardness to avoid lint, telescoping and wipe dispensing issues.

Source: ANDRITZ on the Goliplik Wetlace project

ANDRITZ received an order from Dalian Ruiguang for another Wetlace line for eco-friendly flushable wipes. The line is scheduled to start at the end of 2026 and will help raise total annual capacity to 40,000 tons.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: More flushable parent-roll capacity creates downstream demand for soft-web slitting, perforating and rewinding systems that maintain roll density without damaging dispersible materials.

Source: ANDRITZ on Dalian Ruiguang's Wetlace line

Kohan Textile Journal reported that Wangjin Holdings signed an agreement with Trutzschler for a Pulp X Spunlace nonwoven production line, marking the tenth line Wangjin has acquired from the supplier. The project supports sustainable spunlace capacity for wipes, medical and hygiene applications.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Spunlace growth increases demand for slitters and rewinders that can handle variable basis weight, soft handfeel and medical or wipes-grade inspection requirements.

Source: Kohan Textile Journal on Wangjin and Trutzschler

ANDRITZ received an order from ATCO Hygienics for a baby diaper production line at its Tashkent plant. Commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2026, supporting PERLA brand diaper production in Central Asia.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Diaper capacity pulls demand for defect-free topsheet, acquisition-layer, backsheet and release-material rolls, making web inspection and roll-defect control important purchasing criteria.

Source: ANDRITZ on ATCO Hygienics' diaper line

Packaging Insights reported that Nestle, the Danish Technological Institute and 14 partners launched InFact to chemically recycle household plastic waste into flexible packaging, including food-safe materials. The project aims to prove films with 30-35% recycled content at commercial scale.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Food-grade recycled film programs will require controlled trials, traceable quality data and rewinding systems that can handle changing resin behavior without edge or roll defects.

Source: Packaging Insights on the InFact flexible packaging project

Packaging Insights summarized a CEFLEX report estimating that EU PPWR targets will require around 2.5 million metric tons of flexible-packaging-derived PCR by 2030. The report stresses quality, scale and consistent markets for recycled PE, PP and mixed polyolefins.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: PCR demand will put converters under pressure to qualify more variable films, so slitting, inspection and winding systems must support documented quality control.

Source: Packaging Insights on CEFLEX flexible PCR demand

Dow and Walki announced a monomaterial MDO-PE pouch with matte finish for frozen and dry foods. Packaging Insights reported that Dow supplied low-temperature sealing technology while Walki handled printing, lamination and finishing.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: MDO-PE structures can be heat-sensitive and tension-sensitive, so converters should validate slitting heat, unwind control, sealing windows and roll flatness before scale-up.

Source: Packaging Insights on Dow and Walki MDO-PE pouch

PureCycle Technologies and Innovia Films produced and trialed white cavitated BOPP film with more than 40% post-consumer recycled polypropylene content. Packaging Insights said tests showed comparable processing, mechanical, barrier and sealing performance to virgin PP films.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Higher-PCR BOPP can narrow the process window, making clean slitting, static control and controlled winding important for printability and roll-fed packaging performance.

Source: Packaging Insights on PureCycle and Innovia recycled BOPP

Mondi launched re/loop FlowWrap for wet wipes packaging, a mono-PP form-fill-and-seal material with 35% post-consumer recycled content. The company said internal tests and customer trials showed performance comparable to virgin alternatives for wet wipes applications.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Wet-wipes packaging film must balance sealability, barrier and web handling, so new PCR rollstock should be tested for gauge variation, coefficient of friction, static and rewind quality.

Source: Mondi on re/loop FlowWrap for wet wipes packaging