Finnish paper and packaging firm Stora Enso is considering investing around €400 million to convert one of its two existing paper lines to a containerboard line in Belgium, the group said.
'Aligned with Stora Enso's strategic focus on renewable materials, the investment would support the growth opportunity created by the increasing demand for recycled packaging board,' the company said in a statement.
Stora Enso's site in Langerbrugge, Belgium, currently has two paper lines in production, one for newsprint and one for magazine paper and the feasibility study will focus on the conversion of the newsprint paper line, it said.
Paper Prices On The Rise
The European federation for print and digital communication, Intergraf, warned in February that a general reduction of graphic paper production capacity had driven newsprint paper prices up significantly since mid-2021, leaving media organisations struggling with rising costs.
The company expects to complete the study in the first half of 2023, with the converted line potentially being in production during 2025, with an annual production capacity of 700,000 tonnes and sales of around €350 million.
'Competitive Position'
"A conversion in Langerbrugge would establish a competitive position for us in Western Europe as well," said Hannu Kasurinen, head of Stora Enso's packaging materials division, referring to the company's existing presence in the Eastern European market via its containerboard production in Poland.
Read More: Stora Enso Beats Q1 Profit Forecasts, Keeps Full-Year Guidance
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