Perlen Industrieholding AG is consistently driving forward its strategic transformation from a traditional paper producer to a forward-thinking, diversified industrial company. With advances in product innovation, the entry into fibre casting as a complementary business area, as well as site development, the company is now reaching its first milestones in the transformation phase.

Perlen, 26 January 2026 – Following the optimization of production costs and restructuring measures implemented in the second half of 2025 to strengthen competitiveness in a persistently challenging market environment in its graphic paper core business, Perlen Industrieholding AG, together with its subsidiary Perlen Papier AG, is implementing further elements of its transformation strategy. With new paper products, the entry into fibre-based packaging solutions as a complementary business area, and the construction of a 10 MW battery storage facility, Perlen Industrieholding AG is achieving its first major milestones in its realignment toward becoming a forward-thinking industrial company.

Realignment of paper mill strengthens competitiveness in core business

Perlen Papier AG is focusing on the sustainable, profitable development of its core market for newsprint and magazine paper in Europe. With the restructuring that has been carried out and the continued operation of both paper machines in one of Europe’s most modern paper mills, the company is improving its market positioning for coated magazine and newsprint paper in order to continue to supply customers with the established quality and service. At the same time, market and margin conditions in the core business remain challenging and below expectations due to ongoing price and volume pressure.

Specialty papers for flexible packaging and fibre-based packaging solutions

In parallel with its core business, Perlen Papier AG is strengthening its paper business with targeted product innovations. Newly developed, recyclable specialty papers for flexible packaging, including applications in the food and labeling sectors, feature integrated barrier properties. This enables the company to tap into an additional, growing market with demanding applications and higher value creation potential, which can be served with the existing machines.

The entry into fibre-based packaging solutions marks another strategic development step. These are considered a promising, recyclable alternative to plastic and are increasingly being used, e.g. as trays, packaging, or bottles. With fibre casting, Perlen Papier AG offers a recyclable solution that can be easily disposed of in waste paper and combines economic efficiency with sustainability. Thanks to its existing fibre infrastructure (waste paper, wood pulp, cellulose) and comprehensive expertise, the company is ideally positioned to establish this business segment in Switzerland. The first products are already in the testing phase.

Site development / battery storage

The first step in the site development is the planned construction of a battery storage facility with a capacity of 10 MW and 20 MWh. The project is being implemented in cooperation with Wattss, a renowned Swiss specialist in the construction and use of battery storage facilities. Commissioning is scheduled for the end of 2026. Further energy infrastructure projects and the possible establishment of data centers on the site are currently in the conceptual planning stage.

Dr. Florian Geiger, CEO of Perlen Industrieholding AG and of Perlen Papier AG, says: “The past few months have been marked by difficult but necessary decisions to improve competitiveness in our core market of graphic papers, where we continue to expect a challenging market environment. At the same time, we have been able to set the course for strategic realignment thanks to the great commitment and innovative spirit of our employees and the support of our long-term anchor shareholder. These milestones enable us to further improve our competitiveness, but we also know that we are only at the beginning of the transformation process.”

Perlen Papier AG will be represented at the Empack Bern trade fair (January 28–29, 2026), where it will show the first test products of its fibre-cast packaging solutions and specialty papers to interested visitors.

Steadfastness. Curiosity. Creating trust and connections – between people, media and opportunities.

Our new employer brand is coming into focus. We show who we are, how we work – and why it’s worth becoming part of the Papieri team.

With an output of 30,000 hp and a length of 176 meters, the PM7 produces 360,000 tons of newsprint every year. Its paper web could span the world once every 15 days.

Thanks to our high proportion of recycled paper and 76 percent lower greenhouse gas emissions, we are a decisive step ahead of the competition in the industry. In this way, we are making a sustainable contribution to an environment worth living in.

On to the next milestone: 5,555,555 tons!

Vogt-Schild Druck orders around 361 tons of Swiss recycled paper every year for the production of Swiss “voting booklets” and ballot papers from Perlen Papier.

The paper used for this consists of almost 90 percent recycled paper, most of which is collected in Switzerland and processed at Perlen.

In Derendingen (SO), Vogt-Schild Druck processes the paper efficiently and precisely into 6.2 million voting information booklets and 5.4 million ballot papers: They are printed, cut and bound before being delivered to 75 locations.

In addition to smooth production, the focus is on sustainability: the material – from the “voting booklets” to the printing plates – is recycled after use. This closes the circle – the paper goes back into the production of new paper, and therefore new print products.

Perlen Papier thus provides the basis for an exemplary circular economy in terms of sustainability: thanks to innovative technologies, we have been able to reduce our CO₂ emissions by almost 90 percent.

Vogt-Schild Druck and Perlen Papier have been working together for many years in a spirit of trust. It is a pleasure for us to implement such an important order with a valued customer and to focus on our shared values such as sustainability and precision.

In doing so, we are laying the foundations for a democratic process that is high-quality and environmentally friendly – a success we are proud of.

The kick-off was celebrated on Friday afternoon with a VIP event for customers, suppliers and business partners. Even the reception was spectacular: a historic steam locomotive from 1909, affectionately known as the “Tigerli”, brought over 400 guests to the festival site.

Guided tours of the ultra-modern production facilities were followed by a reception in front of the Ferris wheel. In the marquee, the guests were greeted by prominent speakers such as Fabian Peter, President of the Government of the Canton of Lucerne, and Peter Schaub, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the CPH Group.

Entertainment was provided by the comedy duo “Ohne Rolf”, who included the Chairman of the Board of Directors in their performance with a great deal of humor. The band “Gläuffig” provided the musical accompaniment to the entertaining hours.

On Friday evening, the focus was on the workforce. Almost 400 employees were invited to a party where the focus was on a sense of community and appreciation.

After a joint dinner from the smoker grill, the company management and the Board of Directors took the opportunity to express their thanks and appreciation. A humorous performance by “Erwin from Switzerland” rounded off the evening.

Saturday offered the public an exclusive insight into the world of paper production. Over 8,000 visitors took the opportunity to explore the impressive production facilities. Self-guided tours, creative departmental information stands and a varied supporting program ensured that young and old alike were enthralled.

In addition to the bright sunshine, numerous food stalls, artists and, of course, the Ferris wheel with its unique panoramic view of the grounds ensured a great atmosphere.