A major modernization program is underway at the Viana paper mill in Portugal, announces British paper group DS Smith. The mill, which produces kraftliner, will benefit from an investment of 145 million euros. The existing paper machine will be rebuilt and a brand new recovery boiler installed.
This recovery boiler from manufacturer Valmet will increase steam efficiency at the Portuguese plant by a quarter. It is scheduled to come on line in early 2025.
The rebuilding of the mill's PM4 paper machine by suppliers Voith and Valmet will increase the speed and capacity of the site. Work is expected to be completed later this year.
With these investments, DS Smith wants to meet the growing demand for alternatives to plastic packaging by producing new types of paper. The group is not disclosing further details on this subject. The work also allows the paper manufacturer to move closer to its goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
