As we move toward the final quarter of 2025, a look at data in the pulp and paper industry may represent a moment of recalibration.
To-date, Paperitalo Research reported that 79 capital projects have been announced in 2025, in the pulp and paper industry. By contrast, a total of 72 closures and cutbacks have been reported so far in 2025. This margin has narrowed compared to previous years.
In 2024, a total of 117 capital projects of note and a total of 117 closures and cutbacks were reported. In 2023, a total of 147 capital projects and 113 closures and cutbacks were reported. In 2022, a total of 150 capital projects were reported, while only 66 closures and cutbacks were reported.
It seems that the pace of new capital investments is slowing. Our CEO, Jim Thompson, recently wrote that the pulp and paper industry is in a phase of recapitalization, especially in the containerboard market. With demand being soft right now, this is a great time to refresh and retune some of the old paper machines.
Helen Roush is Executive Vice President of Paperitalo Publications.
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