Conversions of paper production lines to paperboard continue. Stora Enso plans to convert the newsprint line at the Belgian mill in Langerbrugge to a recycled containerboard line.
The feasibility of this project is under study. If the project is validated, the converted line will start production in 2025. Its annual capacity will be 700,000 tons of testliner and recycled splines. The total investment for the conversion is estimated at around EUR 400 million. Stora Enso estimates that this containerboard production line will generate about EUR 350 million in sales at full capacity.
"Today, we produce recycled corrugated board in Poland, mainly for the Eastern European market, says Hannu Kasurinen, executive vice president of Stora Enso's Packaging Materials Division. A conversion in Langerbrugge would enable us to establish a competitive position in Western Europe as well. In addition to the supply of materials for recycled containerboard, the study will also evaluate the processing of the various incoming recycling streams, including laminated grades. Having successfully completed conversions at other sites, we are in a position to draw important lessons from these projects."
The Stora Enso paper mill in Langerbrugge is currently equipped with two production lines, one for newsprint and one for supercalendered magazine paper (SC). In March, Stora Enso announced the divestment of four of its five paper production sites the Langerbrugge plant is the one that will remain within the group.
"The future of the SC paper line at the Langerbrugge site will be evaluated if a decision is made regarding the conversion of the newsprint line." also says Stora Enso.
