With the commissioning of the modernised PM11 paper machine, Heinzel Group is investing around 140 million euros in the Laakirchen site. The aim is to strengthen its market position in the field of sustainable corrugated base paper made from 100 per cent recycled fibres.
Heinzel Group has reached a significant milestone with the commissioning of the comprehensively modernised PM11 paper machine at Heinzelpaper in Laakirchen (Upper Austria): after an investment of around 140 million euros, the conversion of the former publication paper machine to the production of corrugated base paper has been completed. The restart marks the completion of a fundamental change in strategy at the site: in future, Laakirchen will focus entirely on corrugated base paper made from 100 per cent recycled material.
Second paper machine for corrugated base paper at the site
The PM10 has been producing packaging paper at the site since 2017. With the PM11, two high-performance machines are now available for the production of corrugated base paper. With a working width of 8.9 metres, the PM11 achieves a speed of 1,600 metres per minute and produces up to 470,000 tonnes per year. According to the company, the modernisation makes the PM11 one of the most advanced paper machines in Europe.
The conversion was accompanied by extensive investments in the infrastructure: a new pulp processing plant for waste paper, an additional waste paper storage hall and an anaerobic wastewater treatment plant for biogas production complement the technical measures and underline the company's commitment to resource-efficient production.
Product focus: Lightweight and stable papers for sustainable packaging solutions
With the new PM11, Heinzelpaper is expanding its range to include particularly lightweight corrugated base papers. Under the starboard brand, the company offers papers with basis weights between 70 and 160 g/m². While the PM11 specialises in low grammages, the combination with the PM10 ensures increased production flexibility.
The papers are used in shipping logistics and in the food, furniture and consumer goods industries, among others. Thanks to a hygiene management system in accordance with DIN EN 15593, they are also suitable for food packaging.
Sales and market strategy
Heinzel Sales, the Heinzel Group's international sales network, will continue to market the products. In addition to the home market of Austria and Germany, Italy and Poland are considered important sales regions. According to the company, it is also well established in smaller markets.
Clear commitment to the location
„The successful commissioning of the PM11 is a further step towards securing our position in the packaging paper market in the long term,“ explains Sebastian Heinzel, CEO of the Heinzel Group. Thomas Welt, CEO of Heinzelpaper Laakirchen, also sees clear advantages: „The double machine capacity allows us more flexibility and better customisation to customer expectations.“
Source: Heinzel Group
