Hergen secures over a quarter of new European tissue machine projects for 2027

A significant shift in European tissue capacity

The European tissue manufacturing landscape is undergoing a critical phase of capacity renewal and technological upgrading in 2026. Amidst a highly competitive environment traditionally dominated by local machinery giants, Brazilian manufacturer Hergen has secured a substantial footprint, supplying three of the 11 tissue machine projects currently under execution across the continent.

According to recent industry data from the Tissue World Magazine survey, these three projects represent 27.3% of the new tissue machine installations planned for the European market in the 2026–2027 period. The equipment is being delivered throughout 2026, with commercial start-ups firmly scheduled for 2027. This development highlights a growing acceptance of South American engineering in a market known for its stringent operational and environmental standards.

Building on a 15-year track record

While capturing over a quarter of current projects is a notable milestone, it builds upon a steady, long-term penetration strategy. Over the past 15 years, Hergen has successfully delivered 11 projects to European tissue producers. The fact that the company is now executing three simultaneous projects in the region indicates a sharp acceleration in its market share and a strong vote of confidence from European converters.

The timing of these investments is particularly relevant. The European Union's tissue paper environment is currently shaped by intense pressures regarding circular economy policies, responsible fiber sourcing, and the urgent need for energy transition. Tissue production is notoriously energy-intensive, particularly during the drying phase. Consequently, European mills are forced to invest in technologies that drastically reduce water consumption and lower their carbon footprint to maintain profitability against volatile pulp and energy costs.

Technological deployment and corporate modernization

To meet these rigorous demands, Hergen has been deploying advanced components. Recent deliveries to the European market include high-efficiency equipment such as the Smart Yankee Dryer—recently shipped for the POL-MAK project in Poland—and the newly launched SMART FLOW Precision Head Box, designed to optimize fiber distribution and improve sheet quality while minimizing waste.

Internally, the company is also scaling its operations to handle this international growth. In July 2026, Hergen initiated a comprehensive digital transformation by launching its SAP S/4HANA project, aiming to streamline its global supply chain and project management capabilities. This internal modernization is crucial for a manufacturer managing complex, simultaneous heavy-machinery deliveries across different continents.

The European tissue sector is notoriously demanding regarding energy efficiency and fiber yield, making Hergen's growing market share a strong indicator of their technological maturity and competitive pricing. Will this aggressive expansion by South American manufacturers force traditional European machinery giants to rethink their value propositions? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai