THE INAUGURAL PULP & PAPER ALLIANCE CONFERENCE

A Successful Start: Highlights from the Inaugural Pulp & Paper Alliance Conference in Barcelona

The Inaugural Pulp & Paper Alliance (PPA) Conference, held in Barcelona, Spain, from 15–17 September 2025, marked an inspiring beginning for a new platform of collaboration and knowledge exchange within the pulp and paper industry.

A Strong Start — Over 50 Attendees from Across the Industry

With more than 50 participants joining the main conference day at the Intercontinental Barcelona, the event exceeded expectations for its first edition. Attendees represented a diverse cross-section of the industry — from producers and traders to logistics providers, consultants, and associations — creating an atmosphere of openness, curiosity, and genuine engagement.

A Packed Agenda of Insightful Sessions

Day 2, the main conference day, offered a comprehensive program of presentations and discussions covering global market trends, regulatory developments, and technological innovation:

• Remy Poos, Pulp & Paper Alliance – Welcome Speech

• Patrick Cavanagh, Fastmarkets – Pulp Industry Outlook

• Ulrich Leberle, Cepi – New EU Legislation (EUDR, WSR) and Its Impact on Supply Chains

• Philip Damas, Drewry Group – Disruptions and Volatility in Shipping

• Alexander Hellmers, Alexander Global Logistics – Current Pulp & Paper Logistics Market Overview

• Luis Sampaio, ResourceWise – How Pulp Mill Costs Could Influence Global Pulp Flow

• Jari Kaukiainen, Projekticon Oy – How AI Is Revolutionising the Paper Industry Supply Chain

The day concluded with an engaging Logistics Discussion Panel, hosted by Philip Damas (Drewry Group), featuring leading experts in freight and logistics who explored key challenges and future opportunities in global pulp and paper transport.

Attendees also enjoyed Sponsor Rounds and an Extended Networking Happy Hour, which fostered further dialogue and connection across the community.

Networking and Community Building in Barcelona

The conference began with a Welcome Cocktail Reception at the Serras Rooftop Bar, offering panoramic views of Barcelona and setting the tone for two days of collaboration and networking.

The event concluded with the Pioneers Brunch at Le Nine, a warm and relaxed gathering where participants reflected on the conference, exchanged feedback, and shared ideas for the future of the Alliance.

A highlight of the brunch was a powerful address by Sami Al Safran, who provided an in-depth overview of the Middle East market — highlighting the growing opportunities and strong potential within the Saudi market. His insights offered an inspiring close to an already impactful event.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners

The Pulp & Paper Alliance extends its sincere gratitude to all sponsors, speakers, and attendees who made this first edition such a success. Your support, insights, and participation helped create a truly collaborative environment and set a high standard for the years to come.

Looking Ahead — See You in Barcelona in 2026

The enthusiasm and positive feedback from this year’s event have confirmed one thing: this is just the beginning. The Pulp & Paper Alliance is pleased to announce that we will return to Barcelona in September 2026 for the next edition of the conference — building on the strong foundation laid this year.

Until then, we invite you to relive the highlights in our event recap video below and stay tuned for updates on the 2026 program.

 

See you in Barcelona next September!