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BillerudKorsnäs makes strategic investment in Gruvön

  • Billerud
Europe, Eating, Drinking, Primary Packaging, Active, Smart Packaging, Machinery, Tree Derivatives, Supply Chain Services

The board of BillerudKorsnäs has today made the decision to carry out the largest investment in the history of the company and one of the largest in Sweden in recent years - the investment in a new board machine at the Gruvön site. The decision has been made in view of growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions for food and beverages globally.

 The investment of SEK 5.7 billion includes the construction of a new board machine at the Gruvön production site and rebuilds in the existing pulp mill. The board machine will have an annual capacity of 550,000 tonnes of board, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world. The machine will produce liquid packaging board, cartonboard, food service board and liner. The investment project will start immediately and production is expected to start in the first quarter of 2019.

“This is a historical decision for BillerudKorsnäs. The stable market growth in liquid packaging board and other cartonboards, together with our unique expertise in this area, mean that we are perfectly positioned to satisfy global demand. Access to renewable raw materials from sustainably managed forests in the Nordic region was a key factor when evaluating different alternatives,” says Per Lindberg, President and CEO of BillerudKorsnäs.

Smart packaging solutions can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce climate impact and littering, and also increase food safety. Demand for sustainable solutions is growing around the world as increasing numbers of brand owners, food retailers and consumers make conscious choices. As current capacity at BillerudKorsnäs’ production units is not sufficient to meet future demand, the opportunity of new board production at Gruvön has been investigated in detail since 2015.

In addition to growth in liquid packaging board and other cartonboards, today’s decision will result in a streamlining of the production structure within the company. Current paper production at Gruvön will gradually be transferred to other plants within the company during ramp up of the new board machine, with the aim of offering customers fully satisfactory alternatives. Gruvön’s production of high quality fluting will not be affected by the investment.

In connection with this investment decision, BillerudKorsnäs will hold a teleconference for analysts and investors today at 5 p.m. CET. The telephone number for the conference is +46 (0)8-506 395 48, code 36462719#. The conference can also be attended online at http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/7asfo23h

A press conference will be held at BillerudKorsnäs Gruvön, Grums, Sweden, on 13 December at 10.30 a.m. CET. Please register at reception upon arrival.

See also

BillerudKorsnäs launches recyclable paper-based flow wrap – challenging the standard in confectionery packaging

BillerudKorsnäs joins forces with Syntegon Technology to launch Recyclable Flow Wrap, a paper based packaging solution that enables a shift from conventional plastic to renewable and recyclable materials. BillerudKorsnäs Recyclable Flow Wrap is an innovative paper packaging solution, based on primary fibres from well-managed forests and with high barrier performance that can be recycled as paper.

BillerudKorsnäs joint venture Paboco, introduce the Paper bottle community to advance packaging innovation

BillerudKorsnäs, together with partners, proudly presents Paboco, the paper bottle company, uniting leading experts in material, design and technology, and supported by world-leading consumer brands to bring sustainable progress to the bottling industry. To support the initiative and explore further development and commercial opportunities, Paboco is officially launching the Paper bottle community.

BillerudKorsnäs has opened up one of Europe's largest and most efficient MG paper machines

BillerudKorsnäs has opened one of Europe's largest and most efficient MG paper machines at Skärblacka production unit outside Norrköping in Sweden. The opening ceremony was held by BillerudKorsnäs President and CEO Petra Einarsson, retiring Governor of Östergötland County Elisabeth Nilsson, acceding Governor of Östergötland County Carl Fredrik Graf and Factory Manager of Skärblacka Production Plant Håkan Krantz.

  • Company News
  • English
  • Modified 12 Dec 2016
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