From St. Petersburg’s ExpoForum to the scientific halls of the Higher School of Technology and Energy, Russia’s paper industry calendar in 2026 is anchored by one flagship event – PulpFor. With the sector navigating supply chain restructuring and import substitution, this exhibition has become the essential gathering for manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and researchers across the CIS.
Russia’s pulp and paper industry is at a critical juncture. Facing the departure of traditional Western suppliers, the sector is actively pursuing new partnerships and technologies . For professionals across the paper value chain – from pulping equipment manufacturers to chemical suppliers and packaging converters – the 2026 calendar offers a clear focal point centred on St. Petersburg’s ExpoForum in November.
The Flagship: PulpFor 2026 (St. Petersburg)
International Exhibition of Equipment and Technologies for Pulp and Paper, Forestry, Converting, Tissue and Packaging Industries
*November 24-26, 2026 | ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre, Pavilion F, St. Petersburg*
PulpFor – previously known as PAP-FOR – is the undisputed heavyweight of Russia’s paper industry calendar. Founded in 1992, this annual exhibition has established itself as the only exhibition in Russia that unites the entire pulp and paper industry sector.
Government Support and Strategic Importance
The exhibition has received official recognition from the Russian government. The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation has included PulpFor 2026 in its consolidated plan for participation in exhibition and congress events for 2026, approved by ministerial order. This state backing ensures the presence of key policymakers and reflects the industry’s strategic importance for national economic development.
The exhibition’s business programme includes discussions with representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, creating a direct dialogue between government structures and business. For international participants, this offers unique insight into regulatory directions and state support tools.
2026 Edition: Record-Breaking Scale
| Metric | 2026 Data |
|---|---|
| Exhibition Dates | November 24-26, 2026 |
| Opening Hours | Nov 24-25: 10:00-18:00; Nov 26: 10:00-17:00 |
| Venue | ExpoForum, Pavilion F, St. Petersburg |
| Exhibition Space | 12,000+ square metres – largest in 5 years |
| Exhibiting Companies | 300+ companies |
| Participating Countries | Russia, Belarus, China, India, Serbia and others |
| Professional Visitors | 10,000+ specialists |
| Geographic Reach | 75 Russian regions, 34 countries |
| Business Programme | 10+ events, 40+ hours of content |
What You’ll Find at PulpFor
The exhibition covers the entire paper industry value chain across five key sectors:
| Sector | Focus |
|---|---|
| Pulp and Wood Mass Production | Equipment for wood preparation, pulping, bleaching, and chemical recovery |
| Paper and Cardboard Production | Paper machines, drying systems, winding and cutting equipment |
| Tissue and Hygiene Paper | Production lines for sanitary-hygiene paper products |
| Packaging and Converting | Corrugated board production, containerboard, converting machinery |
| Forestry and Logistics | Timber harvesting, wood transport, industry logistics |
Supplementary Equipment and Services:
Beyond core production equipment, the exhibition features suppliers of:
| Category | Specific Products |
|---|---|
| Chemicals | Paper and cardboard production chemicals, water treatment chemicals, wastewater treatment |
| Pumping and Piping | Industrial pumps, pipelines, fittings, bearings |
| Automation and Control | Process control systems (APCS), instrumentation and control valves, sensors |
| Energy Solutions | Power supply systems, energy efficiency technologies |
| Environmental Technology | Wastewater treatment, air purification, recycling equipment |
| Logistics and Finance | Transport solutions, consulting, financial services |
PulpTech Sector:
A dedicated “PulpTech” sector focuses specifically on technology and innovation for pulp production, including advanced pulping processes and modernisation solutions.
Major Industry Attendees (2025 Reference):
The exhibition attracts decision-makers from Russia’s largest paper industry enterprises:
| Category | Companies |
|---|---|
| Pulp & Paper Mills | Arkhangelsk PPM, Kondopoga PPM, Segezha PPM, Syktyvkar LPK, Selenginsk PPM, Turinsk PPM |
| Paper Factories | Alatyr Paper Factory, Kommunar Paper Factory, Okulovka Paper Factory, Perm Paper Factory, Polotnyany Zavod Paper Manufactory, Yaroslavl Paper |
| Corrugated Packaging | Astrakhan Container Factory, Borovichi Board & Paper Mill, Gotek, Kappa Rus, Lamboumiz, Nizhnekarton, Pavlovo-Posad Corrugated Plant |
| Specialty Papers | Serpukhov Paper, Technical Paper, Tolyatti Paper Factory, Troitsk Paper Factory |
| Tissue Producers | Lilia Holding Group, Mayak, United Paper Factories |
Business Programme: Strategic Content
The 2026 business programme features 10+ industry events with 40+ hours of content, designed for managers and specialists alike. Key topics include:
- Industry trends, practices, and strategic sessions
- Modernisation and automation of paper mills
- Implementation of new technologies and service solutions
- Import substitution and supply chain reconfiguration
- Environmental compliance and best available techniques
Industry Awards:
The exhibition also hosts the first industry award for Russian and international companies – pulp and paper mills, equipment manufacturers, and service providers – for contributions to the development of the pulp and paper industry in Russia. The award was established in 2020 by the organisers of PulpFor.
Who Should Exhibit:
| Category | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Equipment manufacturers (pulping, paper, converting) | Direct access to Russian buyers seeking alternatives to Western suppliers |
| Chemical suppliers | Russian mills actively seeking new sources for process chemicals |
| Automation and control companies | Strong demand for modernisation and digitalisation solutions |
| Spare parts and components suppliers | Critical need for maintenance and replacement parts |
| Chinese manufacturers | Primary opportunity for Russian market entry |
| Logistics and service providers | Supporting the industry’s supply chain restructuring |
Why Attend for International Suppliers:
PulpFor offers direct access to leaders and technical specialists from pulp and paper enterprises, timber processing, packaging industry, and tissue paper segment -9. Over three days, exhibitors can conduct dozens of targeted negotiations and discuss real projects. The exhibition team provides support at all stages of preparation and participation, helping companies select the optimal format and handling organisational details so businesses can focus on development and contract signing.
The Scientific Conference: International Conference of Pulp and Paper Industry 2026 (St. Petersburg)
Annual Scientific Conference on Pulp and Paper Technologies
Conference Dates: October 30, 2026 (application deadline) | Venue: Higher School of Technology and Energy of SPbSUITD, St. Petersburg
For researchers, technologists, and academics, the annual International Conference of the Pulp and Paper Industry offers a complementary scientific platform to the commercial PulpFor exhibition. Organised by the Higher School of Technology and Energy of St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design (SPbSUITD), this conference focuses on fundamental and applied research in the paper sector.
Conference Details:
| Metric | Information |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | June 16, 2026 |
| Materials Submission Deadline (RSCI) | September 10, 2026 |
| Final Presentation Deadline | October 30, 2026 |
| Venue | 4 Ivan Chernykh Street, Concert Hall, 5th floor, St. Petersburg |
| Participation Format | In-person or online (live internet broadcast), poster presentations |
| Official Languages | Russian and English |
| Expected Participants | 400+ |
| Speakers | 30+ |
Presentation Topics:
| Topic Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Pulp and Paper Technologies and Equipment | Production processes, machinery, quality control |
| Environmental Protection and Energy Saving | Emissions reduction, water treatment, energy efficiency |
| Professional Standards | Workforce development, skills certification |
| Best Available Techniques (BAT) | Implementation of advanced environmental technologies |
| Digitalisation and Cybersecurity | Industry 4.0 applications, process control systems |
Publication Opportunities:
Conference proceedings are indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI), providing academic recognition for researchers. Participants must submit materials by September 10, 2026 for inclusion.
Competition for Young Researchers:
The conference features a competition of scientific presentations (sectional and poster) judged by a jury of representatives from the pulp and paper industry, HSTE SPbSUITD, and other universities. Winners receive 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree diplomas.
Target Audience: Scientists, postgraduate students, students, and professionals engaged in fundamental and applied scientific research in the paper industry.
Complementary Events: LESDREVMASH 2026 (Moscow)
International Exhibition for Machinery, Equipment, Tools and Instruments for Woodworking, Furniture, Timber, Pulp and Paper Industries
*November 23-26, 2026 | Crocus Expo, Moscow*
For professionals whose interests span both paper and timber processing, LESDREVMASH offers a complementary event held biennially in Moscow. While not exclusively a paper exhibition, it includes significant coverage of the pulp and paper industry segment.
2026 Details:
| Metric | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | November 23-26, 2026 (4 days) |
| Venue | Crocus Expo, Moscow |
| Cycle | Every 2 years |
Note on Timing: LESDREVMASH overlaps with the final days of PulpFor preparation (PulpFor runs November 24-26 in St. Petersburg). For international visitors, this creates logistical challenges but also opportunities for those who can efficiently navigate between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Related Events: ROSUPAK 2026 (Moscow)
International Exhibition of Materials and Technologies, Machinery and Equipment for Package Manufacturing
*June 16-19, 2026 | Crocus Expo, Moscow*
While focused on packaging across all industries, ROSUPAK has strong relevance for paper packaging professionals. The exhibition covers paper-based packaging materials and converting technologies. As of late May 2026, this event is still upcoming.
2026 Details:
| Metric | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | June 16-19, 2026 (4 days) |
| Venue | Crocus Expo, Moscow |
| Cycle | Annual |
For suppliers of paperboard processing, corrugated converting, and paper-based packaging solutions, ROSUPAK offers a mid-year opportunity in Moscow before the main November gathering in St. Petersburg.
At a Glance: 2026-2027 Russian Paper Industry Events
| Event | Date | Location | Primary Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROSUPAK 2026 | June 16-19, 2026 | Crocus Expo, Moscow | Packaging materials and machinery | Upcoming |
| Pulp and Paper Conference 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 (final deadline) | SPbSUITD, St. Petersburg | Scientific research, R&D | Register by June 16 |
| LESDREVMASH 2026 | Nov 23-26, 2026 | Crocus Expo, Moscow | Timber, woodworking, pulp and paper | Upcoming |
| PulpFor 2026 | Nov 24-26, 2026 | ExpoForum, St. Petersburg | Comprehensive pulp and paper | Flagship event |
| PulpFor 2027 | November 2027 (dates TBC) | ExpoForum, St. Petersburg | Comprehensive pulp and paper | Future edition |
Strategic Takeaways for Paper Industry Professionals
1. PulpFor is the Essential Event
With 300+ exhibitors, 10,000+ visitors, and 12,000+ square metres of exhibition space, PulpFor is the largest and most comprehensive paper industry event in Russia and Eastern Europe. For any international supplier serious about the Russian market, attendance or participation is non-negotiable.
2. St. Petersburg is the Industry Hub
Both PulpFor and the scientific conference take place in St. Petersburg, reflecting the city’s historical and continuing importance as Russia’s paper industry centre. The ExpoForum venue is modern and well-equipped for international exhibitions.
3. November is the Peak Season
The major paper events cluster in late November, creating a concentrated period for industry engagement. International visitors can potentially cover multiple events in a single trip, though logistics between Moscow (LESDREVMASH, Nov 23-26) and St. Petersburg (PulpFor, Nov 24-26) require careful planning.
4. The Scientific and Commercial Worlds Converge
The academic conference in October provides a platform for research collaboration and workforce development, while PulpFor focuses on commercial contracts. Companies with R&D capabilities may find value in attending both.
5. Government Support Signals Strategic Importance
The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s inclusion of PulpFor in its official exhibition plan indicates the government’s recognition of the industry’s strategic importance. This translates to access to policymakers and state-owned enterprise buyers.
6. Chinese Manufacturers Have a Clear Opportunity
With Western suppliers largely withdrawn from the Russian market and Chinese manufacturers already active at PulpFor (participating alongside Russian, Belarusian, Indian, and Serbian companies), the opportunity for Chinese equipment and chemical suppliers is substantial.
7. Early Registration is Essential
The exhibition team recommends early registration to secure optimal stand locations and ensure smooth visa processing for international participants. Contact the exhibition director directly for participation inquiries.
Who Should Attend
| Attendee Type | Recommended Events |
|---|---|
| Pulp and paper mill owners/operators | PulpFor (primary) |
| Equipment manufacturers (pulping, paper, converting) | PulpFor, LESDREVMASH |
| Chemical suppliers for paper production | PulpFor |
| Automation and control system providers | PulpFor |
| Packaging manufacturers (paper-based) | ROSUPAK (June), PulpFor (November) |
| Researchers and academics | SPbSUITD Conference (October) |
| Spare parts and component suppliers | PulpFor |
| Chinese manufacturers seeking Russian market entry | PulpFor (primary gateway) |
| Logistics and service providers to paper industry | PulpFor |
Russia’s paper industry in 2026 is defined by one flagship exhibition, government-backed strategic importance, and significant supply chain opportunities. PulpFor, held annually in St. Petersburg each November, has consolidated its position as the essential gathering for manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers across the pulp, paper, tissue, and packaging sectors.
For international suppliers – particularly from China, India, and other partner nations – the current moment presents an unprecedented window of opportunity. With European suppliers largely absent and Russian manufacturers actively seeking alternatives, PulpFor offers direct access to qualified decision-makers from across the industry.
The 2026 edition is scheduled for November 24-26 at ExpoForum in St. Petersburg. For those planning market entry, early engagement with the exhibition organisers is strongly recommended.
The message is clear: Russia’s pulp and paper industry is open for business, and PulpFor is where that business gets done.
Note: Always confirm details with event organisers before making travel arrangements.
