Sappi's Alfeld mill produces coated and uncoated packaging and specialty papers, along with chlorine-free bleached pulp
Oct.29, 2025 - Sappi Europe today announced the planned closure of Paper Machine 1, Paper Machine 4, Offline Coater 2 and Sheet Finishing at its paper mill in Alfeld, Germany, after completing the consultation process with employee representatives.
The Alfeld mill produces coated and uncoated packaging and specialty papers, along with chlorine-free bleached pulp. The mill houses five paper machines and has about 750 employees.
The board produced on PM1 is double coated on one and two sides on an offline coating line. PM2 thru PM5 produce single-sided smooth papers. PM2, PM3 and PM4 also have inline coating units and calendaring capabilities with paper surfaces suitable for the specialty papers segment.
In July, Sappi first announced its intention to close some of the Alfeld Mill's papermaking machinery. The consultation process, aimed at improving the mill's profitability and cost competitiveness, has been completed, resulting in the final closure of the assets.
"Over recent years, Sappi has taken considerable steps to improve the financial performance of its Alfeld Mill. However, despite reducing losses significantly, the complexity of the current product and asset portfolio has limited the mill's ability to operate sustainably under current and foreseeable market conditions," Sappi said in the July announcement.
The machine closures at the Alfeld Mill will lead to a reduction of approximately 180 positions, to be realized through a combination of unfilled vacancies, voluntary agreements, and, where necessary, redundancies. Sappi is committed to managing this process in a responsible and considerate manner.
Misa Bursac, VP Manufacturing, R&D and Technology, said, "These changes are part of our broader commitment to optimizing our operations, enhancing sustainability, and ensuring the long-term competitiveness of Sappi Europe. By consolidating production on remaining machines, we will strengthen our ability to serve customers reliably while positioning our Sappi Alfeld site for future market demands."
Sappi noted that these asset closures are part of the company's strategic plan to align production capacity with market demand and to optimize the utilization of the mill's remaining assets. Alfeld Mill will focus on Speciality and high-barrier papers.
Deliveries to customers will continue without disruption, Sappi added.
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Sappi Europe is the leading European producer of coated graphic paper as well as packaging and speciality papers.
SOURCE: Sappi Europe