Mondi’s PM19 paper machine at Ruzomberok in Slovakia has begun delivering Kraft Top White, a new sustainable containerboard grade, to customers in Europe.
The new machine, with a production capacity of 300,000 tonnes per annum, is part of Mondi’s 370m Euro investment to upgrade the mill and further reduce its environmental footprint.
Kraft Top White combines the strength, printability and appearance of a white fresh fibre top layer but with the advantages of a recycled fibre bottom layer. The company believes it is a compelling solution shelf-ready packaging, point-of-sale displays, trays, consumer durables and other customised packaging applications.
Production of the two Kraft Top White grades - ProVantage Smartwhite and ProVantage Topwhite - has been ramping up since PM19 started-up in January. At full capacity, the machine will use more than 200,000 tonnes of paper for recycling per year (mainly from Slovakia).
“Our new paper machine in Slovakia enables us to offer customers a high-quality new containerboard solution, while further improving the environmental footprint of our Ruzomberok mill,” said Markus Gartner, CEO Corrugated Packaging at Mondi.
The new paper machine is part of Mondi’s modernisation programme at the Ruzomberok mill over the past two years. The integrated pulp and paper mill has undergone major upgrades including an automatic warehouse storage area for end products, a recycled paper line, a recycled storage area. Work was also undertaken to improve the wastewater treatment plant. It now produces biogas as a by-product which is used at the plant's boilers, consequently reducing the mill's use of fossil fuels. Avoiding waste, keeping materials in circulation and reducing its own greenhouse gas emissions in line with science-based targets are a key focus of MAP2030, Mondi’s 10 year Action Plan on sustainability.