PM3 came back into operation yesterday (20 July) “significantly ahead of the planned restart date,” according to Sappi.

Investigations after the fire on 12 May found that there was limited damage to the paper machine itself, with reconstruction works focused on the machine hall.

In a statement, Sappi said: “The repair work was carried out by an excellent team of internal and external workers and our thanks go out to them for their efficiency and most importantly for their safe and pragmatic approach.

“Our teams at our Carmignano mill are also to be thanked for offering a back-up solution which was quickly put in place while our repairs were conducted.

Sappi thanked customers for showing “great loyalty and understanding during an already difficult period”.

All grades made on PM3 are now available again, and Sappi said that quality levels had been checked and were meeting the required specifications.

The historic Alfeld dates back to 1706 and is located to the south of Hanover. The site is over 384,000sqm in size and the mill has around 800 employees.

Alfeld runs five paper machines from 3.3m to 4.8m in width, making coated and uncoated paper as well as SBB carton board.

Sappi Europe is part of the $5.75bn (£4.5bn) turnover, South Africa headquartered Sappi group, which has 18 production facilities on three continents in nine countries.

Separately, Sappi’s Biotech wing has developed a new cellulose product – Valida – made from wood fibre that can be used as an opacifier and thickener for in-demand sanitising gels “replacing microplastics with a natural ingredient” that is 100% biodegradable.