"Top Priority Is Establishing a Foundation for Sustainable Growth"... New Year Gathering of the Paper and Pulp Industry

Four Key Tasks Proposed, Including Maximizing Efficiency Through AI-Driven Processes

The Korea Paper Association announced on January 8 that it held the "2026 New Year Gathering for the Paper and Pulp Industry" at The Riverside Hotel in Seocho-gu, Seoul.

(From left) Jeong Kyusang, Chairman of the Land Association; Hwang Cheongseong, Chairman of the Box Association; Kim Jindoo, President of the Pulp and Paper Engineering Society; Choi Hyunsoo, President of the Korea Paper Association; Hong Kiyoung, Chairman of the Raw Materials Association; Kim Yonggwan, Director of the Forest Science Institute. Korea Paper Association

The event was attended by over 100 participants, including Jeong Yeonsu, Vice Chairman of Ajin P&P; Kwon Taekhwan, Vice Chairman of Shindaeyang Paper; Lee Dokyun, President of Moorim Group; Han Kyungrok, President of Hansol Paper; Lee Dongyeol, President of KleanNara; Shim Cheolsik, President of Jeonju Paper; Yoo Seunghwan, President of Asia Paper, as well as representatives from major domestic paper companies, related organizations, and academia. The attendees pledged to promote unity and cooperation within the industry and to make a new leap forward in the Year of the Fire Horse (Byeong-o Year).

In his New Year’s address, Choi Hyunsoo, President of the Korea Paper Association, stated, "Last year, we struggled to protect the industry despite a challenging business environment, including global economic uncertainties, high interest rates, and strengthened tariff barriers." He emphasized that "the top priority for this year is to establish a foundation for sustainable growth." He presented four key tasks: maximizing efficiency across all processes through the use of AI and data; expanding the value of paper through the development of eco-friendly new materials; advancing as a core infrastructure of the circular economy; and establishing a culture that prioritizes safety management above all else.

President Choi urged, "Our industry must become a central pillar of the nation’s resource circulation and energy policies by converting waste resources into energy based on a high recycling rate," and called on the industry to "work together as one to demonstrate that paper is more than just paper in the coming year."