With the successful conversion of PM10 in 2017 and the commissioning of PM11 in early April, Heinzel Group said the Laakirchen mill in Austria was strengthening its position as a high-performance producer of corrugated base paper made from 100% recycled fibres.

It said the strategic decision to phase out publication paper and focus entirely on corrugated base paper ensured the long-term competitiveness of group subsidiary Heinzelpaper Laakirchen.

PM11 has the capacity to produce up to 470,000 tonnes of corrugated base paper annually, operating at a width of 8.9m and a speed of 1,600m/min.

To support this transition, several key investments have been made at the site in recent months, including a new plant for pulp processing from waste paper, a new waste paper storage hall, as well as an additional anaerobic wastewater treatment plant, significantly increasing biogas production and enhancing sustainability.

Sebastian Heinzel, CEO of Heinzel Group, said: “I am pleased that this significant investment has been successfully implemented and is now complete with the commissioning of PM11.

“My special thanks go to all employees and external partners whose commitment and efficiency enabled a smooth implementation in a short time.”

Thomas Welt, CEO of Heinzelpaper Laakirchen, said: “Corrugated base paper is the foundation for environmentally friendly packaging solutions. With our starboard products, we offer customers lightweight and stable solutions with a basis weight of 70 to 160 grams per square metre.

“While PM11 focuses on producing lower grammages, operating both machines with similar products gives us greater flexibility to respond even better to customer needs.”

Laakirchen’s sustainable corrugated base papers are widely used in shipping packaging and across industries such as food, furniture, and consumer goods. They are also suitable for food packaging applications, due to a certified hygiene management system in accordance with DIN EN 15593.

The distribution of the expanded starboard range will continue through Heinzel Sales, the distribution network of Heinzel Group.

Just over a year ago, Heinzel Group completed the acquisition of the Steyrermühl paper mill in Austria from UPM, marking the completion of a sale signed in 2022.