Billerud to modernize Paper Machine at Gävle Mill with advanced automation

SWEDEN – Pulp and paper producer Billerud has signed an agreement with technology group ABB to modernize paper machine 5 at its Gävle mill, strengthening production capabilities for liquid packaging board and liner.

The investment is designed to future-proof operations at one of Billerud’s key manufacturing sites, which contributes to production volumes equivalent to around 200 million packaging containers per day across the company’s network.

The modernization will introduce ABB’s latest automation and drive technologies, including the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system and next-generation AC800M controllers.

Additional upgrades include enhanced quality control systems and updated drive technology, aimed at improving operational precision and stabilizing production processes.

The improvements are expected to reduce deviations from quality targets while lowering energy use and raw material consumption.

The board produced at the Gävle mill is widely used in food, beverage, and consumer goods packaging, particularly in fibre-based cartons and containerboard applications.

Supporting flexible production and data integration

According to ABB, the new automation platform will allow the paper machine to manage changes in product mix with greater accuracy, helping Billerud respond more effectively to shifting market demands for packaging materials.

The upgraded system will also provide a more secure and resilient automation environment, improving data handling, system reliability, and operational visibility for plant operators.

By enhancing digital integration, the project will enable clearer insights into production processes and support more informed decision-making across the facility.

The modernization also lays the groundwork for the future deployment of advanced process control and AI-based optimization technologies.

Industry observers note that such upgrades are becoming increasingly important for pulp and paper manufacturers as they seek to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen the competitiveness of fibre-based packaging as an alternative to plastics.

The investment underscores Billerud’s strategy to expand sustainable packaging solutions, while leveraging digital technologies to optimize production and support the global transition toward renewable, paper-based materials in packaging applications.

Last year, Billerud launched ConFlex HeatSeal, a next-generation, heat-sealable paper that replaces plastic in a wide range of packaging applications.

Designed with sustainability and performance in mind, ConFlex HeatSeal aligns with converters’ and brand owners’ growing demand for renewable, recyclable alternatives to fossil-based materials.

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