Gascogne paper to invest Euro 10 million to produce coated paper in France

MIMIZAN, France, July 16, 2009 (Press Release) - Gascogne paper, the world's leading manufacturer of natural Machine-Glazed Kraft is set to produce coated paper. Several years of Research and Development have lead to a strategic decision for the group and the paper division: the installation of a state of the art off-line coating machine.

"Located next to our paper machines, this coater is designed to produce specialty products with multiple technical options. The high flexibility of our new coating equipment will benefit our most demanding customers with custom made, high value added products. This strategic investment will offer our clients a widened range of paper specialties, along with the quality and service to which they are accustomed" explains Olivier Tassel, CEO, responsible for the vision behind this project.

Already expert in the manufacturing of specialty papers, particularly papers with a barrier treatment, Gascogne Paper will expand and enrich its product range by offering the latest coating and technical innovations available. For example, PanKraft Baking Papers will now be available with additional characteristics such as custom made grease resistance, and will be silicone-coated either on 1 side or both sides. New products will include release liners for industrial applications, white-top papers, anti-skid interleaving grades, and pre-coated "primer" papers.

Installation of the coater started in July 2008, and the first trials began in May 2009; industrial production was launched on June 1. Installed in a brand new building next to the 4 paper machines in order to optimize product flow, this off-line coater is fully integrated in the pulp and paper mill's production line and logistics.

Extremely flexible, this coating equipment offers a width up to 2.2 meters (86 inches). It will lay from 0.3 to 20 gsm at 600 meters per minute (2000 feet), one side or 2 sides, on papers from 40 gsm to 300 gsm. Thanks to its preparation unit with multiple technical options, custom designed coating formulations will be adapted to the specific requirement of each customer. It will allow Gascogne Paper to add features to its existing Kraft papers, or to multiple other substrates.

By transferring its papermaking expertise to this innovative project, Gascogne Paper is diversifying its product range and strengthening its position as a major supplier to packaging and industrial markets.

The new coating line

Characteristics of the equipment

• Length: 45 meters (148 feet)
• Coating width: 1.1 - 2.2 meters (43.3 - 86.6 inches)
• Speed: up to 600 m / minute (2000 feet / minute)

Characteristics of the coating capabilities

• Base paper: 40 to 300 gsm (25 lbs to 185 lbs), all kinds of papers
• Coating : 0.3 to 20 gsm (0.2 to 12.3 lbs / 3000 sq feet)
  x 1 side or both sides
  various coating formulation capabilities (no solvent)

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