Palm to convert UK newsprint mill into recycled containerboard facility

UK – German paper and packaging manufacturer Palm has announced plans to convert its paper mill in King’s Lynn, England, from newsprint production to recycled containerboard, reinforcing its strategic focus on sustainable fibre-based packaging.

The project will see the company rebuild Paper Machine 7 (PM7) during the first quarter of 2027, transforming the existing newsprint machine into a production line for recycled corrugated case materials (CCM).

Once commissioned, the upgraded facility will supply recycled linerboard and fluting grades to customers across the UK and mainland Europe.

The investment is designed to strengthen Palm’s position in the European packaging market while responding to growing demand for corrugated packaging driven by e-commerce, logistics and sustainability initiatives.

According to the company, the redevelopment will involve extensive upgrades to the paper machine, stock preparation systems and supporting mill infrastructure, enabling the site to manufacture high-quality recycled containerboard used in corrugated box production.

The conversion forms part of Palm’s broader strategy of expanding its integrated paper and packaging operations while increasing production of packaging grades made from recovered fibre.

King’s Lynn has long served as one of Palm’s key manufacturing sites, producing newsprint entirely from recycled paper.

Over the years, the company has invested significantly in the facility, including the installation of a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, advanced recycling systems and expanded waste paper sorting capacity to strengthen its recovered fibre supply chain.

The latest investment is expected to secure the long-term future of the mill by aligning production with changing market demand.

The move reflects a wider structural transformation across Europe’s paper industry, where declining consumption of newspapers and graphic papers is prompting manufacturers to repurpose existing production assets for packaging applications.

As digital media continues to reduce demand for printing papers, many producers are converting newsprint and publication paper machines to manufacture recycled containerboard and other packaging grades.

The trend has accelerated in recent years as brand owners, retailers and e-commerce companies increase their use of recyclable corrugated packaging to meet sustainability targets and comply with evolving environmental regulations.

At the same time, rising demand for recycled fibre has encouraged paper manufacturers to invest in integrated recycling infrastructure and modern production technologies capable of improving resource efficiency and product quality.

With the King’s Lynn conversion, Palm is further strengthening its presence in the circular packaging value chain by increasing the production of recycled corrugated case materials that support the growing transition toward renewable, fibre-based packaging solutions.

The project also underscores the industry’s continued shift from traditional graphic papers to packaging products that offer stronger long-term growth prospects in an increasingly sustainability-focused market.

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