The global market pulp sector will once again turn its attention to Vancouver this May, as The Pulp and Paper Products Council hosts the annual International Pulp Week—a cornerstone event for producers, customers, suppliers, and market analysts across the value chain.
Widely regarded as the leading annual conference for the global market pulp industry, International Pulp Week (IPW) brings together decision-makers from around the world for three days of high-level insight, market intelligence, and relationship building. With a newly released speaker lineup for 2026, this year’s program reflects both the complexity and the opportunity shaping pulp markets today.
A sector in transition
The 2026 program opens Monday morning with a series of presentations focused squarely on the shifting dynamics of the global pulp landscape. From fibre supply to macroeconomics, speakers will tackle the forces redefining competitiveness and strategy across the sector.
Kevin Mason of ERA Forest Products Research will set the stage with The Shifting Landscape, offering perspective on structural changes underway in forest products markets. This will be followed by Joaquin Kritz-Lara of Numera Analytics, who will examine the broader economic context—including tariffs, trade flows, and geopolitical uncertainty—in Economic Uncertainty: A Macro View on Tariffs and Global Markets.
From there, attention turns to fibre and product performance. Rodrigo Marchi of Suzano will explore how hardwood fibre is helping customers adapt and compete in evolving markets, while Christian Chavassieu of CelCo will provide an update on specialty cellulose—an increasingly important niche with growing demand in high-value applications.
The morning concludes with a forward-looking presentation from Jouni Martiskainen of Svante on carbon capture in pulp and paper. His session will examine how mills can monetize biogenic CO₂, turning decarbonization into a potential revenue stream while positioning pulp products within emerging low-carbon markets.
Fibre, chemistry and markets in focus
Tuesday’s sessions continue the deep dive into technical and market trends, with a strong emphasis on fibre selection, process optimization, and end-use demand.
Ismo Nousiainen of Metsa will open with insights into the performance of northern softwood in tissue applications, highlighting the role of fibre quality in driving product outcomes. Craig Murphy of CMA will follow with a global overview of bleaching and pulping chemicals—an area where innovation continues to influence both cost and environmental performance.
Aki Temmes of UPM will then take a broader view in Making the Right Fibre Choices, examining how producers and customers are navigating fibre selection in a constrained and evolving supply environment. Mathieu Wener of Numera Analytics will connect these decisions to end-use markets, particularly in tissue and related segments.
The conference’s market outlook sessions round out the program, with Emanuele Bona of PPPC presenting a global pulp market review and forecast, followed by Li Meng of PPPC China, who will provide a focused look at China and broader Asian market dynamics—critical drivers of global demand.
Beyond the conference room
While the speaker lineup underscores IPW’s role as a premier forum for market intelligence, the event is equally known for its networking and experiential opportunities.
The conference begins Sunday evening with a cocktail reception—an opportunity for delegates to reconnect, build relationships, and set the tone for the days ahead. Networking continues throughout the event, with dedicated breakfasts and a luncheon designed to foster informal exchange among participants.
This year’s optional tours offer a distinctly British Columbia lens on the future of the sector.
On Monday, delegates can visit Svante’s manufacturing facility for a behind-the-scenes look at carbon capture technology in action. The tour will explore how carbon capture and removal can be integrated into existing pulp mill operations, enabling companies to unlock new revenue streams, strengthen competitiveness, and move toward carbon-negative product strategies. With growing pressure from regulators, investors, and customers to reduce emissions, the session provides a practical look at how mills can respond—using existing infrastructure and waste heat to minimize disruption.
On Tuesday, the focus shifts from mill technology to forest ecosystems, with a guided tour of Stanley Park led by registered professional forester Bruce Blackwell. Participants will explore the impacts of a major insect outbreak that affected more than a quarter of the park’s tree cover, and the Vancouver Park Board’s science-based response.
The tour highlights hazard tree management, replanting for resilience, habitat considerations, and public engagement in a highly visible urban forest. For international delegates, it offers a rare opportunity to connect forest health, fibre supply, and public perception—while experiencing the scale and complexity of coastal forests in British Columbia.
A global meeting point International Pulp Week continues to stand out not only for the quality of its speakers, but for its role as a convening point for the global pulp community. Producers, end-users, logistics providers, suppliers, and financial stakeholders all come together in one place—creating opportunities for dialogue that extend well beyond formal presentations.
At a time when the sector is navigating economic uncertainty, evolving fibre dynamics, and increasing pressure to decarbonize, the value of that dialogue has never been greater.
For those involved in the international market pulp business, IPW remains an essential date on the calendar—offering both a clear view of where the market stands today and insight into where it is headed next.
Delegates are encouraged to register early to take full advantage of the program, networking opportunities, and technical tours that make International Pulp Week a uniquely comprehensive industry event.
Join us May 10–12, 2026, at the Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver