(En anglais) 2025 business year: Transformation for sustainable business development initiated

Perlen, 10 April 2026 – Demand for graphic newsprint and magazine paper has been steadily declining for years. At the same time, conditions in the European paper market remain challenging. The resulting insufficient utilization of production capacity led to unsatisfactory results in the year 2025. This unfortunate development reinforced the company’s resolve to set the right strategic course and to consistently pursue the transformation strategy it has embarked upon to increase value in the future.

Focusing and strengthening the paper business

The sustainable, profitable development of the paper business in Europe is at the heart of the company’s long-term strategy. In 2025, Perlen Papier AG underwent a structural realignment. With the restructuring that has been carried out and the continued operation of both paper machines at one of Europe’s most modern paper mills, the company further strengthened its competitiveness in the newsprint and magazine paper segments. Close collaboration with existing customers remains a central pillar of the strategy and ensures stable capacity utilization as well as the continuous development of the core business. At the same time, the company has evolved toward more cost-efficient and flexible production with a focus on product innovations (e.g., specialty papers for flexible packaging, including applications in the food and labeling sectors). This enables Perlen Papier AG to tap into an additional growing market with higher value creation potential which can be served with the existing machines.

Entry into fibre moulding for fibre-based packaging solutions

In addition to strengthening its core business, the company plans to leverage its proven expertise in fibre preparation in additional application areas in the future. The focus is on innovative, fibre moulding for fibre-based packaging solutions that can tap into new markets and customer segments, such as the exclusive partnership with Pulpex for the production of novel fibre-based paper bottles in the extended DACH region. The first products are already in the testing phase. This will enable the company to expand and diversify its existing portfolio of graphic papers while positioning itself in sustainable growth areas.

Industrial site offers new opportunities

The expansive industrial site in Perlen also offers great potential. Its central location in the heart of Switzerland, with excellent transportation and infrastructure connections, opens up a wide range of opportunities for creating additional value through new uses and partnerships. A first step has already been taken with the establishment of a joint venture to build a battery storage facility on the site. In particular, uses that can benefit from the existing high-voltage power connections are being further explored. These include, for example, data centers or energy storage solutions.

Outlook 2026

The 2026 business year will be a year of transformation for Perlen Industrieholding AG. The company will continue to pursue its chosen path with determination and conviction. At the same time, the company anticipates that the market environment will remain challenging. Consolidation in the paper market will continue, as will pressure on prices and volumes. “Our focus remains on increasing profitability, developing new products and business areas, and consistent cost control. At the same time, we will continue to leverage the potential of the industrial site. The transformation of Perlen Industrieholding AG is geared toward continuity and sustainable success. We are convinced that we have defined the right path and will continue to follow it with determination,” says Dr. Florian Geiger, CEO of Perlen Industrieholding AG and Perlen Papier AG.

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