The newly rebuilt PM3 at Norske Skog's Bruck mill in Austria produced its first roll of containerboard on April 1.

Norske Skog Starts Production of Containerboard at Bruck Mill in Austria

April 5, 2023 - Norske Skog has started production of recycled containerboard at its Bruck mill in Styria, Austria. Bruck mill's PM3, which was converted from the production of newsprint to testliner and fluting, has the capacity to produce 210,000 tonnes per year.

PM3's production is based 100% on recycled fiber and will use steam from the new waste-to-energy plant, which opened in April 2022.

"We are excited to enter a new market. This represents a new era for Norske Skog and is a major step to become a leading independent European producer of high-quality, renewable, and environmentally produced containerboard," said Sven Ombudstvedt, CEO of Norske Skog. "The new products illustrate the inherent potential of our industrial sites and will strengthen Norske Skog's asset base and cash flow generation for decades ahead."

Norske Skog Bruck will start to deliver containerboard to customers in the second quarter, the company said.

Full production utilization of 95% is expected in the second half of 2025, Norske Skog added.

The Bruck conversion project primarily involved the rebuild/conversion of PM3 (including a new winder, electrical, automation and auxiliary systems); a new OCC plant for 100% of the pulp needed for the production of containerboard; and mill site integration and civil works.

Norske Skog is a world leading producer of publication paper with strong market positions and customer relations in Europe and Australasia. The Norske Skog Group operates four mills in Europe, two of which will produce recycled packaging paper following ongoing conversion projects. In addition, the Group operates one paper mill in Australia.

SOURCE: Norske Skog