The Second ASEAN Pulp and Paper Summit officially begins today in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, marking a critical milestone for Southeast Asia’s pulp, paper, recycling, and packaging sectors. Co-hosted by the Vietnam Pulp and Paper Association (VPPA) South Branch and RuiZhiXin Consulting, in partnership with Fastmarkets RISI, the event is themed “Towards a More Circular World.” The forum unites key industry stakeholders—including leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and the wider region—to discuss strategies for growth, regulatory compliance, innovation, and the evolution of circular economy models within the pulp and paper sector.
Drawing on the success of last year’s inaugural summit in Kuala Lumpur, which attracted over 215 representatives from 23 nations, the Vietnamese iteration expands its focus to encompass pressing regional issues such as sustainable raw material sourcing, green packaging solutions, and advanced recycling technologies. Senior executives and policy experts are delivering insights on the ASEAN region’s regulatory environment, especially recent and impending legislation targeting forest products trading and the environmental footprint of packaging supply chains.
A dedicated series of sessions are spotlighting paper and board recycling challenges, with viewpoints from international voices like Hanna Zhao of RISI, Bill Moore of Moore & Associates (US), and Tang Yanju of the China Resource Recycling Association (CRRA). The agenda includes strategies for navigating new growth drivers, such as the surging demand for biodegradable packaging and the opportunities posed by regulatory changes pushing manufacturers toward improved circularity and resource efficiency.
The summit aims to foster collaboration across Southeast Asia’s dynamic pulp and paper ecosystem, encouraging dialogue among mill operators, packaging converters, technology suppliers, fiber traders, and environmental service providers. Regional industry associations—including the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association, Malaysia Pulp and Paper Manufacturers Association, China Paper and Pulp Industry Chamber of Commerce, and the China Resource Recycling Association—are providing strategic support and expert panels. This collective participation signals growing regional cooperation for tackling challenges in supply chain sustainability, resource management, and compliance with global environmental standards.
Attendees will benefit from case studies and practical guidance on implementing next-generation recycling systems, optimizing mill and conversion operations for greater efficiency, and capitalizing on business models aligned with zero-waste and low-carbon objectives. With high-level support and a packed agenda of networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities, the Second ASEAN Pulp and Paper Summit is expected to set actionable priorities for supply-chain stakeholders navigating the Asian region’s rapidly shifting business environment.
As ASEAN countries accelerate their transition towards a green economy, this summit represents a vital touchpoint for industry leaders and decision-makers seeking deep understanding of market trends, regulatory forecasts, and collaborative pathways to innovation and growth. Through cross-border engagement and shared expertise, participants will leave the summit equipped to address market volatility, seize new opportunities in recycling and sustainable packaging, and embody the region’s commitment to circularity in the pulp and paper value chain.
