The Heinzel Group is continuing its consistent course toward sustainable packaging papers: With an investment of approximately €140 million, Paper Machine 11 (PM11) at Heinzelpaper Laakirchen was comprehensively converted from the production of publication papers to corrugated board base papers. The new plant is thus one of the most advanced paper machines in Europe.
With PM10, which was already being converted in 2017, and PM11, which was recently commissioned at the beginning of April, the Laakirchen mill is strengthening its position as a high-performance producer of corrugated containerboard made from 100 percent recycled fibers. The strategic decision to gradually discontinue the production of publication papers and focus entirely on corrugated containerboard will secure the long-term competitiveness of Heinzelpaper Laakirchen in Upper Austria.
Investments at the site strengthen efficiency and sustainability
PM11 produces up to 470,000 tons of corrugated containerboard annually with a working width of 8.9 meters and a speed of 1,600 meters per minute. To successfully implement the production conversion, numerous accompanying investments have been made at the site in recent months: a new plant for fiber processing from waste paper, a new waste paper storage hall, and an additional anaerobic wastewater treatment plant, which significantly increases biogas production at the site and thus contributes to sustainable and efficient production. "I am pleased that this important 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, efficiency, and dedication made this smooth implementation possible in such a short time," emphasizes Sebastian Heinzel, CEO of the Heinzel Group.
Sustainable packaging solutions with starboard Liner & starboard Wave
"Corrugated board base papers are the basis for environmentally friendly paper packaging. With our starboard products, we offer our customers lightweight and stable solutions with a basis weight of 70 to 160 grams per square meter," explains Thomas Welt, CEO of Heinzelpaper Laakirchen, adding: "While the PM11 increasingly produces products with low grammage, operating both machines with similar products gives us greater flexibility to respond even better to our customers' needs." The sustainable corrugated board base papers from Laakirchen are used primarily in shipping packaging and in industry, including the food, furniture, and consumer goods sectors. They are suitable for use in food packaging thanks to a certified hygiene management system according to DIN EN 15593.
Strong sales partnership and international market presence
The expanded starboard product range will continue to be distributed through Heinzel Sales, the Heinzel Group's distribution network, which has already successfully established the PM10 containerboard products on the market. In addition to the core markets of Austria and Germany, Italy and Poland are particularly important sales markets. The Heinzel Group also maintains a strong presence in smaller markets.