M-real completes Kemi linerboard rebuild in Finland, invests EUR 16M in coating section of mill

ESPOO, Finland, Oct. 11, 2011 (Press Release) - M-real, the market leader in coated white top kraftliners, has successfully completed a rebuild at its M-real Kemi linerboard mill in Finland. The rebuild will enable further development of coated kraftliners with superior printability. The coated kraftliners of the M-real product range provide enhanced reproduction of brand colors, making them ideal for point-of-sale displays and retail-ready trays.

"Attractive packaging provides a significant competitive advantage in retail business. As a result, brand owners, as well as printers and converters, are carefully examining the linerboard they use for corrugated packaging. Quality of print results, combined with sustainability, are the major drivers on their route to success," says Mika Joukio, Senior Vice President and Head of M-real Consumer Packaging. "This investment is an important development step in M-real's quality leadership. We will now be able to offer products for all printing methods," he adds.

To support its customers' businesses, M-real has invested EUR 16 million (USD 22 million) in upgrading the coating section at the mill, which was completed successfully, and on schedule, on October 6, 2011. The major elements of the rebuild include a second coating station and drying equipment, with Metso as the main supplier.

The M-real kraftliner range includes products suitable for flexo, offset, inkjet and screen printing. Made from fresh forest fibers, they have good consistency that enables smooth running on printing and corrugating lines. Their light weight, combined with strength and flexibility, means that lower weight grades can be specified, providing both cost and sustainability advantages together with excellent print quality.