Paper, Nonwoven and Film News for July 23, 2026

Paper Advance reported that Palm will repurpose PM7 at its King's Lynn, UK mill to make recycled corrugated case material from the first quarter of 2027. The move shifts a large newsprint asset toward packaging grades as graphic-paper demand declines.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: More recycled containerboard supply can change dust, moisture and edge-strength profiles, so converters should validate slitting cleanliness, tension settings and roll build on new grades.

Source: Paper Advance on Palm King's Lynn PM7 conversion

Paper Advance reported that Finch Paper will stop pulp production at its Glens Falls, New York mill while continuing paper manufacturing with purchased market pulp. The change reflects weaker pulp-production economics and a focus on the paper side of the operation.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Purchased pulp can shift sheet stiffness, dusting and web strength from lot to lot, making incoming roll inspection and adjustable converting recipes more important.

Source: Paper Advance on Finch Paper Glens Falls pulp decision

AF&PA said total U.S. packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in June increased 2% from June 2025 and were up 6% for the first six months versus the same period of 2025. The report points to continued demand for packaging-paper formats.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Shipment growth supports investment in slit-to-width, rewinding and roll-handling capacity where customers need shorter lead times and consistent finished-roll quality.

Source: AF&PA June 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

Paper Advance reported that DS Smith started up a recycled fiber line at its Porcari paper mill in Italy, with a 1,650 t/d stock preparation system. The project is aimed at strengthening recycled containerboard production and fiber processing efficiency.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Higher recycled-fiber throughput can bring more recycled grades into converting plants, where dust control, web guiding, trim extraction and roll-density consistency become daily quality controls.

Source: Paper Advance on DS Smith Porcari recycled fiber line

Graphic Packaging launched PaceSetter Ridgeline, an uncoated recycled paperboard grade positioned for coated and uncoated recycled paperboard applications. The company said the grade expands the markets and customers it can serve.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: New recycled paperboard grades should be tested for surface friction, caliper variation, edge cracking and rewind stability before converters commit to high-volume production.

Source: Graphic Packaging on PaceSetter Ridgeline recycled paperboard

Nonwovens News reported that producers across Asia-Pacific are preparing to showcase protective and industrial nonwoven solutions at a Shanghai event amid strong regional demand. The coverage points to continuing interest in technical roll goods beyond consumer hygiene alone.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Industrial nonwovens can be thick, abrasive or specification-sensitive, so converters need web guiding, tension control and knife systems that can handle varied structures without edge damage.

Source: Nonwovens News on nonwovens at the Shanghai show

Nonwovens News reported that IMA Teknoweb introduced Exige, a third-generation cross-fold wet wipes converting machine rated at 3,000 wipes per minute. The line targets producers needing higher output, process stability and hygienic design.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Higher wipes speeds increase the value of accurate parent-roll preparation, clean perforation, splice reliability and roll uniformity before material reaches folding and packing equipment.

Source: Nonwovens News on IMA Teknoweb Exige wipes technology

Nonwovens News reported that EDANA will use Outlook 2026 in Portugal to examine the technical and regulatory implications of moving wet wipes away from plastic. The agenda reflects pressure on the wipes supply chain to redesign substrates.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Plastic-free wipes can behave differently during unwinding, perforating, folding and lotion loading, so machine buyers should test low-tension handling and cut quality before scaling.

Source: Nonwovens News on EDANA Outlook plastic-free wipes agenda

Food and Drink Technology reported that Magic ordered a food pad eXcelle line from ANDRITZ to expand absorbent-materials manufacturing in Oleggio, Italy. The line includes airlaid technology for food pads and related personal care and hygiene materials.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Airlaid absorbent structures depend on uniform web formation and retention performance, so downstream converters should control dust, edge trim, rewind density and inspection.

Source: Food and Drink Technology on Magic's ANDRITZ airlaid line

ANDRITZ said A Penteadora SA started up a complete mechanical textile recycling line and a needlepunch nonwoven line at its Unhais da Serra site in Portugal. The project converts recycled textile fibers into nonwoven products.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Recycled-fiber needlepunch rolls can vary in thickness and fiber distribution, so converters need durable unwinds, clean slitting, trim extraction and rewind control for stable rolls.

Source: ANDRITZ on A Penteadora textile recycling and needlepunch lines

Packaging Insights reported that RecyClass certified selected Amcor Bontite Sustane stretch films for traceable levels of post-consumer recycled content. The certification supports customers preparing for UK Plastic Packaging Tax changes in 2027.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Verified PCR claims require stable production records, lot control and consistent winding, so film converters should treat documentation and roll quality as linked requirements.

Source: Packaging Insights on Amcor RecyClass PCR stretch film certification

Flexible Packaging Europe said flexible packaging material markets recorded substantial price increases in the second quarter of 2026, including sharp moves in BOPP, PET, BOPA and polyethylene. The association linked the increases to geopolitical tension, energy and supply-chain volatility.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Higher film costs raise the payoff from trim reduction, first-pass roll quality, precise tension control and inspection that prevents expensive material scrap.

Source: Flexible Packaging Europe on Q2 2026 raw-material prices

Packaging Insights reported that CEFLEX expects EU PPWR recycled-content targets to require about 2.5 million metric tons of flexible packaging-derived PCR by 2030. The group said scale and quality consistency will be critical across PE, PP and mixed polyolefins.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: As PCR use rises, converters need equipment that can manage gauge variation, gels, friction shifts and quality documentation without sacrificing output speed.

Source: Packaging Insights on CEFLEX flexible-packaging PCR demand

Walki and Dow introduced a mono-material MDO-PE pouch with a premium matte finish for food packaging, designed for recyclability and PPWR alignment. Walki handled pouch design, printing, lamination and finishing, while Dow supplied sealing technology.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: MDO-PE structures demand accurate web tension, low-temperature seal performance checks and careful winding because stiffness, stretch and heat response differ from conventional laminates.

Source: Walki on the Dow mono-material MDO-PE pouch collaboration

Packaging Strategies reported that IPG launched a high-performance air pillow film containing 50% recycled content and manufactured in the United States at a TRUE Zero Waste certified facility. The film targets protective packaging applications.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Recycled-content cushioning film still has to inflate, seal and unwind reliably, so converters should check gauge control, seal-window stability and finished-roll consistency during qualification.

Source: Packaging Strategies on IPG recycled-content air pillow film