Smurfit Kappa LithoPac increases capacity to meet demand

Smurfit Kappa announces € 7 million investment at Smurfit Kappa LithoPac plant in Nybro, Sweden.

The investment includes both a new building and inline laminator and will significantly increase capacity and opportunities. It will also provide sustainability benefits due to the reduction in waste, material consumption and transport costs.

The new fully automatic laminating machine – an Asitrade Masterflute Touch from Swiss Bobst – is equipped with the latest technology for optimal precision and is considered the leading machine of its kind in the world and the first in Scandinavia.

Unlike existing technology, the new laminating machine will be equipped with an extra roll stand to enable it to also run reel to reel and not only traditionally from sheet to roll. This makes it possible to use other printing methods, lower the paper grades and at the same time increase the size of the finished printing sheet compared to what is currently possible.

20 years of growth
“We have had almost 20 years of continuous growth, which has meant that we have gradually increased capacity and extended the range,” said Carl-Oscar Carlsson, General Manager at Smurfit Kappa LithoPac in Nybro.

“With the new laminating machine we will be able to differentiate and diversify our offer to the market. In addition, we will be able to reduce waste by 20% and it will allow us to reduce the material consumption by using lighter paper which is part of our ongoing sustainability work.”

In place in January 2023
The 78-metre long laminating machine will require an extension of 2,000 square meters of the existing factory building in Nybro and is expected to be installed in January 2023.

“For many years, Smurfit Kappa’s ambition has been to drive the packaging industry in a more innovative and sustainable direction. The investment in this new laminating machine is one of many important steps along the way,” said Per Frederiksen, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Sweden & Norway.