While Moscow has long dominated the headlines for Russian industry, the country’s pulp, paper, and packaging sectors have quietly built their command center elsewhere. The epicenter is St. Petersburg, home to PulpFor Expo—the undisputed heavyweight event of the Russian paper calendar.
In 2026, as the industry navigates shifting export routes toward Asia and rising domestic demand for packaging, this annual gathering has become indispensable. Here is your guide to the premier event shaping the future of paper in Russia.
The Main Event: PulpFor Expo 2026 (November 24–26)
Formerly known as PAP-FOR, the PulpFor Expo is the largest and most influential event for the pulp, paper, and tissue industry in Russia, Eastern Europe, and the CIS region. After decades of evolution (founded in 1992), it has solidified its status as the “must-attend” platform for anyone connected to the industry.
The 2026 edition will take place from November 24 to 26 at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre in St. Petersburg.
Scale & Attendance:
- Exhibition Area: 15,000 square meters
- Exhibitors: Approximately 300 companies
- Professional Visitors: Over 20,000 attendees
Organizers & Support:
The event is organized by ExpoVisionRus (EVR) and Reed Exhibitions. It boasts an impressive roster of institutional support, including:
- The Russian Federal Ministry of Industry and Commerce
- RAO Bumprom (the Russian Pulp and Paper Industry Association)
- All Russian Scientific Research Institute of Pulp & Paper
- St. Petersburg Technological University of Plant Polymers
- VDMA Print and Paper Technology (Germany)
- Paper Engineers Association (Finland)
This broad coalition underscores the event’s role as a bridge between Russian producers and international technology providers.
What You Will See: Comprehensive Industry Coverage
PulpFor Expo 2026 is structured to cover the entire value chain, from forestry to finished product. Key exhibition sectors include:
Raw Materials & Chemicals:
- Pulp and paper chemicals
- Binding agents and fillers
Machinery & Equipment:
- Pulp and paper manufacturing machinery (boilers, pulpers, paper machines)
- Tissue and converting machinery
- Corrugated board production equipment
- Automation systems and instrumentation
Finished Products & Processing:
- Printing and writing papers
- Tissue paper and hygiene products
- Packaging materials (corrugated boxes, paper bags)
- Label materials
Ancillary & Environmental:
- Forestry and wood processing equipment
- Waste paper recycling technology
- Environmental protection systems
Who Attends: The Industry’s Decision-Makers
Based on the 2025 edition’s profile, the 2026 visitor list is highly professional and decision-focused:
- Company Owners & General Managers of paper mills and converting facilities
- Technical Directors, Chief Engineers, and Production Managers
- Purchasing Managers from large printing and packaging firms
- Wholesalers, Distributors, and Importers of paper, board, and machinery
- Packaging Buyers from industries such as food, e-commerce, and logistics
- Representatives from Research Institutes and Academic Institutions
St. Petersburg vs. Moscow: A Strategic Shift
Unlike many other Russian industries (heating, beauty, hotels) that center their major events in Moscow, the Russian paper industry has anchored its flagship event in St. Petersburg. This is a deliberate strategic choice.
The ExpoForum venue is located just 10 kilometers from Pulkovo International Airport, offering excellent accessibility for international visitors. Furthermore, St. Petersburg sits at the heart of Russia’s Northwestern forestry region—a major source of raw material for the industry. This proximity allows for potential site visits to local mills and research centers like the St. Petersburg Technological University of Plant Polymers -1, which is an official event sponsor.
Notably, there is no equivalent large-scale paper industry event in Moscow in 2026. While Moscow hosts events like the Printech Expo for printing and publishing (June 2025), the heavy machinery and B2B paper manufacturing focus has decisively moved to the northern capital. For an international supplier targeting the Russian paper market, St. Petersburg in late November is the destination.
Industry Outlook: Packaging Leads the Charge
Looking at the 2026 event focus, clear trends emerge for the Russian paper sector:
- Packaging is King: The inclusion of a dedicated Corrugated section at PulpFor Expo reflects booming demand from Russia’s expanding e-commerce and food delivery sectors.
- Import Substitution in Machinery: With European suppliers restricted, there is intense interest in Chinese and domestic machinery manufacturers, a trend heavily reflected in the exhibitor mix.
- Tissue & Hygiene Growth: The “Tissue” segment remains robust, driven by rising domestic consumption of paper towels, napkins, and hygiene products.
For engineers, procurement specialists, and mill owners, PulpFor Expo 2026 is the definitive event. It is where contracts are signed, where new Chinese and Turkish technology is unveiled, and where the future of Russian paper is forged—on the banks of the Neva, not the Moskva.