Reducing exposure to the graphic paper segment while expanding its presence in packaging, specialty paper, pulp and biomaterials remains part of the company's strategic focus.
Sappi has concluded the consultation process on the closure of its Lanaken mill in Belgium and will complete the closure during the second quarter of 2024. The company says that paper production at the mill ended already in December, financial details on the closure will be provided at the Q1 2024 financial results announcement.
The integrated Lanaken pulp and paper mill had a production capacity of 165,000 tpy of pulp used to produce 530,000 tpy of woodfree coated paper, which was mainly sold into the European market. The mill employed 581 workers.
"While continuing to serve the graphic paper market through its competitive assets, the overall priority of the European business will be to grow the packaging and specialities segment specifically within flexible packaging, functional papers, self-adhesives including glassine, labels as well as dye-sublimation categories. The transfer of production to other Sappi facilities increasing capacity utilisation has commenced and there will be no disruption to our customers", the company says in a statement.
