Paper, Nonwoven and Film News for July 27, 2026

Sonoco announced a $60 per ton increase for all grades of uncoated recycled paperboard in the United States and Canada, effective with shipments beginning July 8, 2026. The company also said converted paperboard products would rise 7%, covering tubes, cores, cones, partitions, protective packaging and other specialty products.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Higher URB and converted-paperboard costs make trim control, core quality, rewind consistency and first-pass yield more important for converters handling paperboard rolls.

Source: Sonoco on recycled paperboard and converted product price increases

Paper Advance reported that proposed U.S. tariffs could put dozens of Canadian wood, pulp, paper and packaging products under a 50% duty if measures take effect next month. Industry groups warned that the policy would add uncertainty to integrated North American forest-products supply chains.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Supply-chain disruption can force converters to qualify alternate parent rolls quickly, making adjustable tension recipes, incoming inspection and stable slit quality practical risk controls.

Source: Paper Advance on proposed tariffs for Canadian forest products

Stora Enso reported that adjusted EBIT increased 27% to EUR 160 million in the second quarter, supported by the ramp-up of the new consumer board line at its Oulu site. The update shows packaging-board capacity moving from project phase into operating contribution.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: As new consumer board capacity reaches customers, converters should test caliper consistency, coating behavior, web tracking and roll hardness before scaling new board specifications.

Source: Stora Enso half-year report on Oulu consumer board ramp-up

Metsa Board opened a new Packaging Design Studio in Milan on July 2 to speed packaging development with customers, especially in European markets. The company said the studio supports packaging projects shaped by sustainability targets, performance needs and regulatory change.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: More fiber-based package redesign means converters need machinery that can handle frequent trials, short runs, clean edges and repeatable winding while paper structures are still being qualified.

Source: Metsa Board on the Milan Packaging Design Studio

Georgia-Pacific said it started final engineering and planning for additional structured paper machines and associated converting equipment to meet demand for premium bath tissue and paper towels. The company is evaluating sites in the central and western United States.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Premium tissue growth connects directly to embossing, perforating, rewinding and roll handling, because finished-roll quality and converting throughput determine how parent-roll capacity becomes saleable product.

Source: Georgia-Pacific announcement on premium tissue capacity planning

Autoneum said it is building two new production facilities in China to support vehicle programs awarded by Chinese OEMs, including Chery. The sites will produce interior and acoustic components, reinforcing a local-for-local supply model for automotive materials.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Automotive acoustic and thermal materials require consistent thickness, clean edges and defect control, so converters serving technical nonwovens need robust unwinding, guiding and knife systems.

Source: Autoneum on new China acoustic component capacity

Alkegen said its U.S.-based entities and certain international entities voluntarily commenced prepackaged Chapter 11 cases after reaching a restructuring support agreement. The company said the process is intended to reduce debt and support ongoing operations.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: When specialty-material suppliers restructure, converters should review alternate roll supply, raw-material inventories and machine flexibility for changes in thickness, binder, fiber blend or delivery schedule.

Source: Alkegen financial restructuring update

Essity launched Smart Protect sanitary pads with a next-generation fluid management system designed to capture sudden gushes and distribute fluid more evenly. The product uses an instant-absorbing center, distribution channels and a body-adaptive shape.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: New absorbent-core and topsheet designs raise the need for stable nonwoven roll width, controlled tension and defect-free rewinding before materials enter hygiene assembly lines.

Source: Essity on Smart Protect sanitary pad technology

Nonwovens News reported that EDANA will use Outlook 2026 in Portugal to discuss the technical and regulatory implications of moving wet wipes toward plastic-free constructions. The agenda reflects material-redesign pressure across the wipes supply chain.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Plastic-free wipes can be more sensitive to elongation, linting and wet strength, so converters should validate low-tension unwinding, perforation quality and roll density before purchasing line capacity.

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

Nonwovens News reported a positive forecast for EU hydroentangled cellulose wipes, with demand supported by electronics, cleanroom and medical applications. The coverage links growth to contamination control and a shift away from synthetic wipe substrates.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Cleanroom and medical wipes need controlled edges, low lint and reliable roll presentation, which makes slitter condition, trim extraction and inspection records central to purchasing decisions.

Source: Nonwovens News on hydroentangled cellulosic wipes growth

PureCycle and Mitsui announced a strategic partnership with RM Tohcello to introduce recycled polypropylene into flexible packaging in Japan. The companies plan to develop BOPP and polypropylene sealant films for commercial packaging applications.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Recycled PP film qualification can introduce friction, gauge and seal-window variation, so converters need precise tension control, inspection and documentation across trial and production rolls.

Source: PureCycle on recycled polypropylene flexible packaging partnership

PlasticsToday reported that ExxonMobil Signature Polymers developed monomaterial polyethylene films with up to 35% post-consumer recycled content for hygiene compression packaging. The films are positioned to maintain machinability for high-speed packaging operations.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Hygiene compression packs require films that unwind, seal and compress consistently, so converters should test PCR film rolls for gauge control, blocking, static and rewind stability.

Source: PlasticsToday on ExxonMobil PE films with PCR content

Refrigerated & Frozen Foods reported that ExxonMobil Signature Polymers and LD PACK developed a recyclable mono-PE frozen food packaging structure. The MDO PE//PE solution is designed as an alternative to conventional multi-material laminates.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: MDO-PE structures can stretch and seal differently from PET/PE laminates, so film converters need stable web tension, accurate slitting and controlled winding during grade conversion.

Source: Refrigerated & Frozen Foods on the ExxonMobil and LD PACK mono-PE solution

Plastic Pollution Coalition reported that California is implementing requirements under SB 54 that call for single-use plastic packaging source reduction and design changes. The update reinforces pressure on brands and packaging suppliers to reduce material use and improve recyclability.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: Source-reduction goals push converters toward downgauged films and redesigned structures, making tension stability, wrinkle control, splice handling and scrap reduction more valuable.

Source: Plastic Pollution Coalition on California source-reduction measures

Packaging Dive reported that speakers at the 2026 Packaging Recycling Summit said the next 12 months will be important for proving flexible-film recycling initiatives. The article highlighted pilot work and the need to move more film material into reliable end markets.

Why it matters for converters and machine buyers: If film recycling programs scale, converters will need production records, clean roll separation and material consistency that support recycled-content claims and downstream reprocessing.

Source: Packaging Dive on flexible film recycling progress