Kruger machine to make recycled packaging switch

Canada РKruger Packaging LP is to convert the PM10 newsprint machine at its Trois-Rivi̬res mill in Quebec, Canada, for the manufacturing of 100% recycled lightweight linerboard.

Expected to take 20 months to complete, the project will see the incorporation of ‘some of the most advanced containerboard manufacturing technology’, says the company. ‘Once PM10 is up and running in 2017, it will produce 360 000 tonnes of 100% recycled lightweight linerboard annually, a portion of which will be sold to Kruger Packaging’s box plants in LaSalle (Quebec) and Brampton (Ontario), while the remainder will be sold on the market.’

The containerboard to be manufactured at the Trois-Rivières facility ‘is seeing huge growth in North America and around the world as packaging manufacturers seek to produce increasingly lighter and stronger products’, it is pointed out. The mill will continue to produce newsprint on PM10 until two months before the end of the conversion project.

Meanwhile, the mill’s other newsprint production line (PM7) is to remain in operation into the future. Overall, Kruger’s three newsprint production facilities will have an annual output of 600 000 tonnes.

The project at Trois-Rivières has received support from the Quebec government, including a 25% stake in a new company combining all of Kruger’s containerboard and packaging activities.