Smurfit Kappa invests in Facture Paper Mill to meet growing demand for kraftliner

Smurfit Kappa continues to invest in its Facture Paper Mill to meet the growing demand for kraftliner grades in Europe.

An upgrade of the mill, which is in South West France, was successfully completed in March following a three-week shutdown and included the implementation of a new pulp washing line, and a complete overhaul of the black liquor recovery boiler. 

SKG next plans a series of improvements to the paper machine No. 5 commencing in 2019   which, on completion, will increase its production capacity of white top kraftliner from 174,000 tonnes to 220,000 tonnes per annum, and further enhance the quality of this premium product.  

Smurfit Kappa’s paper-based packaging is the packaging of choice for many brands which are seeking a more sustainable alternative to plastic and it is used widely in both the eCommerce and retail sectors.

Premium white top kraft paper, which is made from virgin fibres, is also a very suitable material for the high-specification digital print used to make brands come alive on the shelf.

The Smurfit Kappa Facture Paper Mill has been producing kraft paper since 1928. Speaking about the upgrade project, Laurent Sellier, Chief Operating Officer of Smurfit Kappa Paper & Board Europe, said: “The Facture site is going through a major upgrade programme which will significantly increase both the output and quality of the kraftliner we produce.

“This mill has an ideal location for meeting the demands of customers in Southern Europe so we are committed to implementing ongoing innovations and improvements.”

The Facture Paper Mill is part of Smurfit Kappa’s global network of paper mills that are all connected through a single, optimised supply chain system.

The upgrade of the Facture Paper Mill will reinforce the industry-leading position Smurfit Kappa holds for the production of kraftliner containerboard in Europe.