Ilim Group to Convert PM5 in Koryazhma to Produce Kraft Paper

Ilim has been producing new grades of kraft papers in a "test mode" during 2021 and intends to produce kraft papers with basis weights ranging from 40 to 80 gsm, which will be targeted at domestic, Asian and European markets.

Nov. 16, 2021 - Ilim Group announced a decision to upgrade and convert its Paper Machine 5 (PM5) at its Koryazhma Mill in the Arkhangelsk Oblast region of Russia to produce unbleached packaging kraft paper. Currently PM5 produces white paper such as offset and cutsize grades.

"The pandemic has further boosted a consistent consumption growth in different packaging segments," said Ksenia Sosnina, CEO of Ilim Group. "We see that this segment has a good potential, and we listen to our customers' requests to increase production volumes of unbleached virgin packaging paper grades. Development of e-commerce and delivery services as well as increasing attention of consumers and community to environmental issues contribute to further growth of this market."

In 2023, the paper machine will produce 70 thousand tons of finished products for the fast-growing market of packaging papers. The Koryazhma Mill will produce Ilim Lite and Ilim Shopper, which will target different market segments — retail and food packaging.

According to Ilim, the company has been producing new grades of kraft papers in a test mode during 2021. Ilim partners noted a high quality and confirmed the market demand for the new products.

The new product composition includes 100% virgin softwood and hardwood pulp allowing to produce an absolutely environmentally friendly product. The kraft paper produced by the Koryazhma Mill is certified in accordance with FSC and PEFC standards and has relevant certificates used in food industry, including Isega international certificate.

Ilim said it intends to produce kraft papers with basis weights ranging from 40 to 80 gsm. The products will be targeted at the domestic, Asian and European markets.

The conversion project involving PM5 is scheduled for completion by the end of 2022.

Ilim Group is the largest manufacturer of pulp and paper products in Russia, and one of the largest exporters of softwood pulp to China. Ilim has three pulp and paper mills in the Arkhangelsk (Koryazhma) and Irkutsk (Bratsk, Ust-Ilimsk) Oblasts, two modern corrugated box plants in the Leningrad and Moscow Oblasts, and Sibgiprobum engineering and design institute (Irkutsk). To learn more, visit: www.ilimgroup.ru.

SOURCE: Ilim Group