Stora Enso aims to convert Varkaus Mill fine paper machine to containerboard
Stora Enso has decided to commence a feasibility study with the aim of converting the Varkaus Mill fine paper machine in Finland to produce virgin-fibre-based containerboard. The findings of a recently completed pre-feasibility study supported continuation of the process. The feasibility study, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2014, will evaluate the profitability of the project to manufacture containerboard at Varkaus Mill.
“This is an opportunity to take advantage of two market forces, where one can see a decreasing global market for paper but an increasing global market for board. It is an opportunity to grow in the containerboard market at competitive investment cost,” says Hannu Alalauri, SVP Packaging Solutions at Stora Enso Renewable Packaging.
If the investment is approved following the feasibility study, the capital expenditure for the conversion is estimated to be in the range of EUR 80–100 million and in line with Stora Enso’s investment criteria. Utilising existing capabilities within Stora Enso by modifying them to a new product line is part of Stora Enso’s transformation to a value-creating renewable materials company focusing on growth markets.
“Containerboard is a key growth market for Stora Enso. We have already invested EUR 280 million in our recovered-paper-based containerboard mill site at Ostrołęka, Poland, and now we are actively evaluating a next step in virgin-fibre-based packaging grades,” says Hannu Alalauri.
Varkaus Mill, which employs 260 people, has one paper machine with an annual capacity of 285 000 tonnes of uncoated fine paper. The potential capacity of the board machine would be about 350 000 tonnes per year.
For further information, please contact:
Mats Nordlander, EVP, Stora Enso Renewable Packaging, tel. +46 1046 72703
Juha Vanhainen, EVP, Stora Enso Printing and Reading, tel. +358 2046 21343
Hannu Alalauri, SVP Packaging Solutions, Stora Enso Renewable Packaging, tel. + 358 2046 21228
Ulla Paajanen-Sainio, SVP Investor Relations, tel. +358 40 763 8767
Tommy Borglund, SVP Communication, Stora Enso Renewable Packaging, tel. +46 1046 71709
www.storaenso.com
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Stora Enso is the global rethinker of the paper, biomaterials, wood products and packaging industry. We always rethink the old and expand to the new to offer our customers innovative solutions based on renewable materials. Stora Enso employs some 28 000 people worldwide, and our sales in 2012 amounted to EUR 10.8 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (STEAV, STERV) and Stockholm (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA as ADRs (SEOAY) in the International OTCQX over-the-counter market.
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