Cascades invests US$5M to Upgrade Kingsey Falls recycled boxboard facility

CANADA – Sustainable packaging manufacturer Cascades Inc. has invested C$6.9 million (US$5 million) to upgrade its Papier Kingsey Falls Uncoated Recycled Boxboard Plant in Kingsey Falls.

The investment strengthens its production capacity and improving product quality for packaging applications.

According to the company, several pieces of new equipment have been installed at the facility since September, with a particular focus on enhancing sheet quality control.

The upgrades are expected to improve the properties of the plant’s recycled boxboard output, especially for food packaging applications that require superior surface finish and high-quality printability.

Operational since 1972, the Kingsey Falls facility supplies packaging materials for both industrial and food packaging markets and currently employs 68 people.

“This project will enable us to increase our capacity and remain a valued partner for our customers,” said Hugues Simon, President and CEO of Cascades.

“It underscores our commitment to investing in our assets in Quebec to accelerate growth. I’d like to thank the employees who helped install this equipment, their expertise and dedication made this project a success.”

Strengthening recycled packaging production

The investment aligns with Cascades’ broader strategy to expand production of recycled fibre-based packaging, which continues to gain traction as brand owners seek sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging.

Upgrading equipment at the Kingsey Falls facility will enable the company to deliver improved surface quality and consistency, key attributes for packaging used in food and consumer goods sectors where printing clarity and structural performance are essential.

The facility investment comes as Cascades reports improved financial performance.

The company posted net earnings of C$37 million (US$27.25m) in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with a net loss of C$13 million (US$9.57m) in the same quarter of 2024.

Sales for the quarter reached C$1.19 billion (US$876.45m), slightly lower than the C$1.21 billion (US$ 891.18m) recorded in the previous quarter.

However, profitability improved significantly, with operating income rising to C$76 million (US$55.97m), up from C$16 million (US$11.78m) a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA increased to C$155 million (US$114.16m).

Since January 2025, Cascades has reorganized its operations into two main segments: packaging products and tissue papers, a move aimed at streamlining operations and focusing on higher-value markets.

Refocusing on core packaging segments

As part of this strategic shift, Cascades recently announced the closure of three packaging facilities across Canada and the United States, exiting the honeycomb paperboard and cardboard partition packaging segments.

The closures affect plants in Berthierville, Saint-Césaire, and York, impacting a total of 114 employees.

Cascades currently operates around 60 facilities across North America and employs approximately 9,000 people.

The company says ongoing investments such as the Kingsey Falls upgrade will help strengthen its position in recycled and sustainable packaging markets while supporting long-term growth.

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