Smurfit Kappa makes further investment in French kraftliner mill

Packaging business Smurfit Kappa has invested further into its Facture paper mill in France in order to meet increased demand for its kraftliner products, made of 100% unbleached softwood fibres and high quality recycled fibres.

Upgrades to the mill, located to the south-west of France, was successfully completed last month following a three-week shutdown which included the implementation of a new pulp-washing line and a complete overhaul of its black liquor recovery boiler.

Smurfitt's plans for Facture will see a series of improvements to one paper machine in 2019 designed to increase production capacity of white-top kraftliner from 174,000 tonnes to 220,000 tonnes each year.

Discussing the upgrade project, Laurent Sellier, chief operating officer of the European paper and board division, said Facture's upgrade programme will increase both the output and quality of the kraftliner produced.

"This mill has an ideal location for meeting the demands of customers in Southern Europe so we are committed to implementing ongoing innovations and improvements," he said.

As of 0820 BST, shares had dialled back 0.1% to 3,073.32p.