MondayMar 03
TuesdayMar 04
WednesdayMar 05
Time in PT
Time
Event
What
Who
08:00 – 15:30
SITE VISIT: The Navigator Company’s Setúbal Mill (Monday 3rd March 2025)

Join us for an exclusive tour of The Navigator Company’s Setúbal Mill, a leader in European pulp and paper manufacturing. Discover their state-of-the-art facilities and learn how this innovative site is driving renewable energy advancements with natural gas and biomass cogeneration plants. Following the mill tour, explore the Viveiros Aliança Nurseries, one of Europe’s largest plant nurseries, producing over six million eucalyptus plants annually. Located just 45 minutes from Lisbon, the experience includes transport, refreshments, and lunch. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis—secure your spot during registration

10:00 – 17:00
Pre-Conference Workshop (Monday 3rd March 2025)

Surviving Europe’s Regulatory Tsunami: An Interactive Workshop for the Pulp, Paper & Packaging Industry

Join us for a dynamic, hands-on workshop, tailored for 40-45 industry stakeholders across the supply chain. This intimate session will feature a mix of engaging presentations, roundtable discussions, interactive brainstorming sessions, open forums, and engaging networking, all aimed at fostering collaboration and uncovering innovative approaches to compliance. Learn about how other industry players have faced and solved challenges, and leave equipped with actionable insights and a comprehensive understanding of how to thrive amidst regulatory changes. 

Click here to view the latest agenda.

Please note that attendance for this day requires an additional fee.

17:00 – 18:30
Sip and Connect – Networking Drinks

Join us for an evening of exciting networking, where you can enjoy a selection of refreshing drinks and light bights as you connect with old friends, meet new peers, and engage in meaningful conversations. This is the perfect opportunity to spark conversations, build relationships, and set the tone for an unforgettable conference.

06:30 – 07:30
5K – Run Club

Kickstart your day with an energizing 5K run through the scenic streets of Lisbon, led by our Run Club guide. A perfect way to clear your mind and get ready for the day ahead.

07:30 – 08:40
Breakfast Workshop: Driving AI & Automation During Challenging Times

Brought to you by Tietoevri

08:40 – 08:50
Welcome Remarks
08:50 – 09:15
Presentation: Opening Keynote – Europe’s Economic Evolution: Navigating the New Normal

As geopolitical tensions reshape the global landscape and a chasm widens between East and West, how will these shifts impact Europe’s economy? How will the recently elected Trump administration impact global trade flows and the global economy. With inflation soaring and living costs on the rise, consumer spending is taking a hit. Join us as we explore the potential trajectory of Europe over the next five years: Can we bounce back from the pandemic? What strategies will drive recovery and growth? Discover the pathways forward in this dynamic and uncertain economic climate.

09:15 – 09:20
European CEO of the Year Award & Address

Presented by StepChange

09:20 – 10:05
Executive Leaders Panel: Shaping Tomorrow’s Pulp, Paper, and Packaging Landscape

Join our esteemed panel of executive leaders, as they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector in an evolving landscape. 

 – Staying Competitive: What strategies can executives implement to maintain a competitive edge amid rapid industry changes? 

Sustainability and Innovation: What advancements in sustainable practices and technologies are shaping the future of the sector? 

Overcapacity and Market Consolidation: What are the implications of overcapacity in the industry, and how can companies effectively navigate potential market consolidation? 

Geopolitical Headwinds: How are global political dynamics impacting the paper and packaging industry? 

Joachim Klein
José Soares de Pina
António Redondo
Joachim Klein

Joachim Klein

Managing Director

StepChange

José Soares de Pina

José Soares de Pina

Chief Executive Officer

Altri

António Redondo

António Redondo

Chief Executive Officer

The Navigator Company

10:05 – 10:30
Presentation: The Sustainable Packaging Revolution – Shaping a Consumer Driven Future

– What are the key drivers behind the transition to sustainable packaging, and how are leading brands navigating this shift?

– How are consumers shaping the future of packaging, and what innovative solutions are brands adopting to meet expectations?

– What are the biggest hurdles in achieving truly sustainable packaging, and how can the industry turn these challenges into growth opportunities?

– What practical steps are brands taking to stay ahead in the sustainable packaging revolution?

– How will regulatory changes, consumer preferences, and technological advancements shape the next decade of sustainable packaging? 

10:30 – 11:00
Networking Break
11:00 – 11:20
Presentation: Fastmarkets Focus | Macroeconomic Outlook

– Global economic drivers  

– Expected social, political, and economic headwinds  

– Inflation and recession drivers 

– Market trends & risks  

– Key drivers of growth and investment in the industry 

Lasse Sinikallas
Lasse Sinikallas

Lasse Sinikallas

Director of Macroeconomics

Fastmarkets

11:20 – 11:40
Presentation: Transport Cost Outlook : Warning Issued in Container Shipping

– Global shipping trends  

– Freight pricing  

– Shipping risks and opportunities  

– How might geopolitical tensions in the Middle East further affect shipping for the industry? 

Philip Damas
Philip Damas

Philip Damas

Managing Director, Founder & Head of Supply Chain Advisors

Drewry Shipping Consultants

11:40 – 12:25
Panel: Shifting Trade Flows: How will Changing Dynamics Impact Global Trade?

Join key global players as they share insights on trade flows, strategies to navigate shipping challenges, and the impact of rising costs on profit margins 

– How are geopolitical tensions reshaping global trade in forest products? 

– What challenges do shipping dynamics pose for industry trade flows? 

– Insights on growth opportunities in key regions: China, South America, North America, and Europe.

– Emerging market growth and where the future may take the sector? 

Rafael Barisauskas
Rafael Barisauskas

Rafael Barisauskas

Senior Economist – Latin America Paper & Packaging

Fastmarkets

12:25 – 12:40
Presentation: Fastmarkets Focus | Global Pulp Market Outlook

– Projected growth forecast  

– How will market pulp availability shape industry dynamics? 

– What are the implications of overcapacity on the market? 

– Demand trends for 2025 and beyond – will we see a return to pre-pandemic “norms”? 

Patrick Cavanagh
Patrick Cavanagh

Patrick Cavanagh

Senior Economist

Fastmarkets

12:40 – 13:00
Presentation: Europe’s Softwood Fibre Crisis: What are we going to do?

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent ban on Russian wood imports have created a softwood fibre shortage across Europe. This session will explore how companies can navigate these challenges through innovation, despite regulatory pressures and the increasing demand for pulp in energy production. 

– Balancing supply and demand  

– Cost implications of the wood fibre shortage? 

– Can hardwood replace softwood fibres? 

– Optimizing fibre mixes for product needs 

– Can growth regions like Latin America step in to supply Europe? 

13:00 – 14:00
Networking Lunch
14:00 – 14:20
Presentation: Fastmarkets Focus: Graphic Paper: The Path Forward

– Market Outlook & Projections: What does the future hold for graphic paper? 

– Industry Evolution: With graphic paper demand declining, where will the sector be in five years? 

– Newspaper & Magazine Trends: Exploring market share and growth potential in these segments. 

– Emerging Opportunities: Are there any types of graphic paper are gaining traction in the market? 

Alejandro Mata
Alejandro Mata

Alejandro Mata

Director – Europe, Graphic & Packaging Paper

Fastmarkets

14:20 – 15:05
Panel: The Paper Jam: Shifting Gears – What Lies Ahead for Europe’s Paper Industry?

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion as industry experts address key questions shaping the future of the paper sector amid challenges like declining consumption and digital transformation. 

– Graphic Paper’s Decline: What Lies Ahead? 

– Is digitalisation a lifeline or replacement for the sector? 

– What impact will overcapacity have on future production and market demand? 

– Important decisions: the role of advertising and purchasing decisions 

– How will companies stay competitive in an evolving landscape? 

– Where will innovation lead the industry next? 

Alejandro Mata
Alejandro Mata

Alejandro Mata

Director – Europe, Graphic & Packaging Paper

Fastmarkets

15:05 – 15:25
Presentation: Fastmarkets Focus: Tissue Market Outlook
Philipp Jaki
Philipp Jaki

Philipp Jaki

European Economist – Tissue

Fastmarkets

15:25 – 15:55
Networking Break
15:55 – 16:15
Presentation: Spotlight on Portugal: The Rise in Eucalyptus Pulp

– Market growth for BEKP 

– Rising demand for sustainable pulp solutions  

– Portugal’s key role in industry growth  

– Overcoming NIMBYism around forest fire concerns  

16:15 – 16:35
Presentation: Plastic Substitution: Is Molded Fibre the Answer We’ve All Been Looking For?

– Rising demand for molded fibre packaging solutions 

– Strategies for scaling production while minimizing costs 

– Balancing packaging performance and functionality compared to single-use plastics 

– The role of molded fibre in shaping the future of the packaging industry 

– Emerging innovative technologies driving advancements in molded fibre packaging

Natasha Valeeva
Natasha Valeeva

Natasha Valeeva

Analyst – Supply Chain, Food & Agribusiness

Rabobank

16:35 – 17:15
Panel: Packaging Innovation: Reimagining Packaging Design for a Sustainable Future

The rise in plastic replacement materials 

– What new packaging substrates are on the horizon?

– Exploring barrier technologies and substances 

– What are the bottlenecks for market entry?

– Overcoming challenges and hurdles with innovative product development 

17:15 – 18:15
Champagne Roundtables

Join us for an exclusive Champagne Roundtables session, where you’ll engage in high-impact discussions shaping the future of the European industry value chain, while enjoying a glass of bubbly. These intimate roundtable sessions, led by industry leaders and experts, will provide attendees with the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the hottest topics affecting the industry while networking with peers.

 

1. Regulation – Is the EUDR a Roadblock or Roadmap? 

2. Molded Fibre What Does the Future Hold for Molded Fibre in Europe: Is It a Worthy Investment or Innovation Overload? 

3. Recycling – How Can the Industry Collaborate to Meet 2030 Recycling Targets Amidst Diverse European Regulations? 

4. Voluntary Carbon Market – What Does the Boom Mean for the Future of Forests?

5. Softwood vs Hardwood – Is it Feasible to Replace Softwood in the Face of Fiber Shortages and Supply Chain Challenges?  

6. Market consolidation – What Challenges and Opportunities Does Market Consolidation Present to the Industry? 

7. Mill Decarbonisation – How Can the Pulp and Paper Industry Achieve Its Decarbonisation Targets While Driving Innovation?

8. Graphic Paper Market – What Success Factors Will Shape the Future Amid Market Decline?

 

17:30 – 19:30
Sip and Connect: Networking Drinks

Join us for an unforgettable evening of networking at the iconic Panoramic Bar. Sip on cocktails and indulge in delicious canapés while making new connections, and reconnecting with peers and old friends, all set against breathtaking views of Lisbon’s stunning skyline. This is your perfect opportunity to unwind, make new connections, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

07:30 – 08:40
Breakfast Workshop: Empowering Inclusivity and Gender Diversity Roundtable Discussion
08:55 – 09:00
Welcome Remarks
09:00 – 09:25
Keynote Presentation: Thriving After the Merger: Unlocking Success in a Transforming Industry

As the European industry undergoes significant transformations due to major mergers, what does the future hold? 

Join us for an engaging fireside chat that will explore the implications of these changes and uncover the opportunities that arise from them. Discover key strategies for thriving in changing times and learn how to stay at the forefront of industry developments while managing costs, enhancing sustainability, and fostering effective leadership. Hear firsthand insights from one of the industry’s most respected leaders as they share their experiences navigating these transformative changes

09:25 – 09:45
Presentation: Strategic Pathways: Adapting to Europe’s Regulatory Demands

With ambitious decarbonisation and deforestation targets to reach, the industry is on the brink of significant change. As we approach key milestones of 2030 and 2050, questions about the future abound. How can the industry effectively prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead? 

– Understanding the Commission’s Goals: What are the reasons behind the European Commission’s ambitious climate targets, and how will they affect the industry? 

– Strategies for Compliance: How can companies successfully navigate new regulations and ensure they meet the required standards? 

– Regulatory Landscape Ahead: What emerging trends and potential regulatory shifts should the industry anticipate, and how can the industry proactively adapt to stay competitive? 

Paula Lehtomäki
Paula Lehtomäki

Paula Lehtomäki

Director General & Former Minister of the Environment and Climate Change for Finland

Finnish Forest Industries

09:45 – 10:05
Presentation: Fastmarkets Focus : Containerboard Outlook
Tero Eerikainen
Tero Eerikainen

Tero Eerikainen

Economist, European Packaging Papers

Fastmarkets

10:05 – 10:25
Presentation: Market Overcapacity: Unboxing Challenges Despite the Growth in Demand

Despite the growth in demand of e-commerce, the market faces huge issues with overcapacity. What does this mean for future production and the future of the industry? 

– How to navigate the overcapacity problem in the market? 

– Impact on demand for raw materials  

– How will market players stay competitive? 

– What is the true impact on industry investment and innovation? 

Ilkka Leppavuori
Ilkka Leppavuori

Ilkka Leppavuori

Senior Partner & Head of Global Packaging

Bain & Company

10:25 – 10:45
Presentation: Fastmarkets Focus: Boxboard and Kraft Paper Outlook
Camila Jaramillo
Camila Jaramillo

Camila Jaramillo

Economist

Fastmarkets

10:45 – 11:10
Networking Break
11:15 – 11:35
Presentation: Fastmarkets Focus: Global Recovered Paper Outlook

– Demand and supply dynamics 

– Two-year forecast for market trends and developments 

– Global consumption trends and evolving trade patterns amidst geopolitical uncertainty 

– Influence of China’s economic shifts on the recovered paper market 

– Geopolitical issues  

– Supply chain uncertainty

– Regulatory challenges, including EUDR, and the potential impact on recovered paper trade

Hannah Zhao
Hannah Zhao

Hannah Zhao

Director – Fibre

Fastmarkets

11:35 – 12:20
Panel: From Waste to Resource: Exploring Circular Recycling Solutions for 2025 and Beyond

2025 is a year for new regulations, increased demand for recyclable products, and recycled raw materials, join experts in recycling discuss the challenges, opportunities and trends within the European recycling market 

Exploring the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive: Opportunity for growth or barrier to progress?

– European recycling challenges: From collection rates to material limitations

– Design for Recycling Guidelines: Setting the standards for a sustainable future

– Innovations in recycling: Can we achieve 100% recyclability?

– Future directions: What’s next in the journey toward circularity?

12:20 – 12:40
Presentation: Consumer Trends Outlook– Rethinking Packaging

In this session, Pro Carton will unveil insights from a comprehensive survey of over 5,000 consumers across Europe, exploring their perspectives on sustainability and packaging. Join us as we dive into the key findings of the report, including:
Consumer sentiments and pain points 

– Consumer preferences in packaging 

– The impact of packaging on consumer purchasing decisions 

– The critical role of recycling in consumer habits 

Winfried Muehling
Winfried Muehling

Winfried Muehling

Marketing & Communications Director

Pro Carton

12:40 – 13:25
Panel: Consumer Brand Perspectives: The Future of Packaging

Join industry leading consumer brands to discuss the evolving packaging landscape from the end-user’s perspective  

 – The evolution of e-commerce: Where has it been, and where is it headed?

– How are FMCG companies adapting to shifting consumer preferences and demands?

– What innovative grades and plastic alternatives are emerging?

– Cost vs. Sustainability: How are brands balancing these crucial factors?

– The impact of regulations like the CRSD on purchasing and product development decisions 

13:25 – 14:25
Networking Lunch
14:25 – 14:40
Presentation: Fastmarkets Focus: Powering the Future of Mill Decarbonisation

– What kind of energy strategies do European pulp and paper mills currently have? 

– How are the mills performing in terms of Scope 1 and Scope 2 fossil CO2 emissions? 

– Who are the energy cost winners and losers in the post-crisis reality? 

– How does the future look for electricity and natural gas costs? 

Ville Henttonen
Ville Henttonen

Ville Henttonen

Director EMEA Mill Intelligence

Fastmarkets

14:40 – 15:25
Panel: Driving Towards a Sustainable Industry: How Will the Supply Chain Meet Decarbonisation Targets?

Decarbonisation is now a central focus under the European Green Deal, in this session industry leaders will share their evolving strategies to meet these sustainability goals.
How will the European pulp and paper industry decarbonise to meet 2030 and 2050 targets? 

– How about the value chain, for example suppliers, converters, and end-users? 

– How is the industry tapping into energy investments for a greener future? 

– What roles do renewable energy sources such as biomass, wind, and solar play in driving sustainability? 

– What are the challenges with the industries key energy inputs and outputs? 

– Are there any untapped but sustainable energy solutions waiting to be explored? 

Ville Henttonen
Sarah Price
Ville Henttonen

Ville Henttonen

Director EMEA Mill Intelligence

Fastmarkets

Sarah Price

Sarah Price

Director, Sustainability

Sappi Europe

15:25 – 16:05
Panel: The EUDR – Will Europe’s Industry Thrive or Simply Survive?

What challenges does the EUDR present for the industry?

– What opportunities does the regulation pose for deforestation?

– Which areas of the supply chain are most likely to face bottlenecks?

– What strategies and solutions are being implemented across the industry to prepare?

– How will the regulation reshape European trade in forest products?

– What lies ahead for 2026 and beyond?

16:05 – 16:25
Presentation: The Carbon Boom: How Will Growth in Carbon Markets Impact Forest Products?

– How is the rapid expansion of carbon credit markets reshaping the forest products industry? 

– Impact of increased demand for forest carbon credits on fibre availability 

– Balancing sustainability: Can carbon markets and forest product industries co-exist? 

– How are companies preparing for shifts in wood supply as carbon credits become a key driver of forest management decisions? 

– What future trends should stakeholders watch for as carbon markets grow and environmental regulations tighten? 

 

16:30 – 16:30
End of Conference