The rebuilt PM6 at Norske Skog Saugbrugs will have flexible production capacity of up to approximately 300,000 tonnes per year (tpy) of TMP-based kraftliner or approximately 230,000 tpy of SC magazine paper.
Oct. 8, 2026 - Norske Skog has made a positive investment decision to rebuild paper machine 6 (PM6) at Norske Skog Saugbrugs in Halden. The investment of up to approximately NOK 850 million (approx. US$88.9 million) will enable flexible production of thermomechanical pulp-based kraftliner and SC magazine paper.
"The rebuild of PM6 represents an important step in securing a competitive and sustainable industrial future for Saugbrugs," said Geir Drangsland, CEO of Norske Skog. "The project combines our strong position and long-standing competence in publication paper with an attractive opportunity within fibre-based packaging. It will significantly improve the cost position of the mill and provide valuable flexibility to adapt production to future market developments."
PM6 was taken out of production following the rockslide at Saugbrugs in April 2023. Since then, Saugbrugs has operated PM4 and PM5 to serve the SC magazine paper market while evaluating alternatives for the future development of the site.
According to the company, new technology and extensive project development have enabled a solution where PM6 can be rebuilt for flexible production of both TMP-based kraftliner and SC magazine paper. Saugbrugs will continue to be a reliable and long-term supplier of high-quality SC magazine paper.
Anders Hauge Johansen, Mill Director of Norske Skog Saugbrugs, explained, "Saugbrugs has a highly competent organisation, high-quality fibre resources and established industrial infrastructure. By combining these strengths with a more efficient PM6 and increased product flexibility, we believe the project provides a strong platform for continued value creation here in Halden."
The rebuilt PM6 will have flexible production capacity of up to approximately 300,000 tonnes per year (tpy) of TMP-based kraftliner or approximately 230,000 tpy of SC magazine paper.
Compared with the existing PM4 (installed capacity of 100,000 tpy of SC paper) and PM5 (installed capacity of 110,000 tpy of SC paper) production lines, PM6 is expected to have a materially improved cost position through more efficient energy consumption, a streamlined production process and reduced staffing requirements.
Following start-up of PM6, production on PM4 and PM5 is planned to cease permanently without interruption of customer deliveries.
The new TMP-based kraftliner product will expand Norske Skog's exposure to the growing fibre-based packaging market and complement the Group's existing packaging paper activities. Based on high-quality virgin fibre, the product will particularly target lower grammages where customers increasingly demand strong and lightweight packaging solutions with excellent printability, a low fossil carbon footprint and suitability for food-contact applications.
Detailed engineering and preparatory activities will continue in parallel with a planned sale of the PM6 building and property and entering a leaseback agreement for the same assets, a potential sale of the Saugbrugs administration office, and project financing measures over the coming period to cover the investment.
Start-up of PM6 is expected during the first half of 2028.
Norske Skog Saugbrugs noted that it will continue to explore the opportunity for an 80-100 MW data centre development on available parts of the Saugbrugs site alongside continued fibre processing operations. The combination of a rebuilt PM6, NND's decommissioning activities and a potential data centre could support substantial future investment, employment, industrial activity and positive regional economic effects in Halden.
Based in Oslo, Norway, Norske Skog is a producer of packaging paper and publication paper across four mills in Europe. Packaging paper includes testliner and fluting and publication paper includes newsprint and magazine paper. The annual production capacity of packaging paper is 0.8 million tonnes, and the annual production capacity of publication paper is 1.2 million tonnes.
SOURCE: Norske Skog