European Wood & Paper Industry Roundup – March 24, 2026
Germany Particleboard Output Drops 10% Year-on-Year in January
Germany's particleboard sector started 2026 on a soft note, with production falling 9.9% year-over-year to 577,000 m³ in January. On a month-on-month basis, however, output recovered strongly, rising 22% compared to December 2025. The data signals continued structural pressure on panel production in Europe's largest economy, even as short-term momentum picked up heading into the first quarter.
Germany Pulp Production Edges Down 0.9% in January
Pulp production in Germany declined marginally by 0.9% year-over-year in January 2026, though it rose 4% compared to the previous month. The slight annual dip reflects ongoing adjustments in European pulp capacity amid shifting demand patterns, while the month-on-month rebound suggests underlying production resilience entering the new year.
German Log Exports Plummet 93% in January — Prices Edge Up 3%
In a dramatic shift, Germany's log exports fell 93% in January 2026 compared to the same period last year. Despite the sharp volume decline, average export prices rose 3%, reflecting tightening supply of available export volumes. The steep drop highlights the ongoing contraction in Germany's roundwood export activity, likely driven by forestry recovery policies and domestic processing demand.
Swedish Lumber Exports Slide 57% in January — Prices Rise 10%
Swedish lumber exports recorded a sharp 57% annual decline in January 2026, yet export prices climbed 10% over the same period. Sweden, one of Europe's largest softwood lumber suppliers, appears to be prioritising domestic demand and higher-value markets. The inverse relationship between volume and price suggests a strategic export environment rather than a demand-driven collapse.
Finnish Lumber Exports Fall 51% in January — Prices Up 5%
Finland's lumber export volumes contracted by 51% year-on-year in January 2026, while prices increased 5%. This mirrors a broader Nordic trend of reduced export volumes paired with rising per-unit prices. Finland's forestry sector continues to navigate challenging market conditions, with export activity well below historical norms for the start of the year.
Latvian Lumber Exports Contract 34% in January — Prices Slip 1.1%
Latvia's lumber exports dropped 34% in January 2026, with export prices dipping 1.1% — the only Baltic/Nordic market in this week's data to see a price decline alongside falling volumes. Latvia's sawmill sector has faced sustained headwinds due to weaker European construction demand and ongoing competition from within the region.
Finland Pulpwood Imports Plunge 81% in January — Prices Jump 15%
Imports of pulpwood into Finland fell sharply by 81% in January 2026, even as prices surged 15%. The severe volume reduction likely reflects seasonal factors and possible supply chain disruptions from key source regions, while the significant price increase points to tighter supply fundamentals for the Finnish pulp industry heading into Q1 2026.
Progroup Brings Akarton GmbH into Schüttorf Packaging Park
Progroup, one of Europe's leading containerboard and corrugated board manufacturers, has announced Akarton GmbH as the new operator of its on-site packaging park at the PW05 corrugated sheetfeeder plant in Schüttorf, Germany. The facility is directly connected to the production hall via intralogistics, enabling seamless sheetboard-to-box production without truck transport between stages. According to Progroup, the integrated model reduces logistics costs, shortens production timelines, and lowers the carbon footprint of finished packaging. The partnership is expected to reinforce Schüttorf's role as a hub for independent packaging converters.
Alkim Kagit Expands Izmir Mill to 215,000 Tonnes with New PM2 Runnability System
Turkish paper producer Alkim Kagit is installing a Runtech Systems runnability solution on its second paper machine (PM2) at the Kemalpasa facility in Izmir. The upgrade — featuring RunPro EasyOne high-release web stabilisers powered by RunPro Turbo Compressors — will bring the mill's total annual production capacity to 215,000 tonnes of photocopy and offset paper. The system improves web stability and sheet release at the top dryers without mechanical contact with fabrics. This marks the third collaboration between Alkim Kagit and Runtech Systems, following earlier installations of a RunEco Vacuum System and an EP Turbo Blower on PM1, which has run since 2016.
VPK Packaging Appoints Kate Kelly as Sales Manager for Limerick Site
VPK Packaging has named Kate Kelly as Sales Manager for its Limerick manufacturing facility, with a remit covering commercial growth across Ireland and the United Kingdom. Kelly joins from Ecolab, where she held the position of Head of Distribution for UK and Ireland. In her new role, she will serve customers in the food and beverage, consumer goods, and e-commerce logistics sectors, addressing packaging requirements around supply chain performance and sustainability. The Limerick plant is a key VPK production hub for the Irish market.
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