Sappi has confirmed that paper production at its Lanaken Mill ceased in December. The closure of the site should be completed during the second calendar quarter of 2024.
Sappi announced its intention to take this action on 10 October 2023, citing the persistent global economic downturn, depressed markets, geopolitical instability and weak economic growth as the reason. It said its strategic focus includes reducing exposure to the graphic paper segment while expanding its presence in packaging, speciality papers, pulp and biomaterials.
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.