Aalst, Belgium-based VPK Packaging Group has announced it plans to invest in a new paper machine to produce what it calls “lightweight recycled containerboard.”
VPK’s packaging division has been expanding throughout this decade, with recent acquisitions including Ireland-based ICS Europaks in 2015, Norway-based Peterson in 2016, Netherlands-based SolidPack in 2017 and the acquisition of a stake in United Kingdom-based Corrboard in 2017.
In a news release announcing its pending investment in the paper machine, VPK indicates the new papermaking line will provide additional capacity of 400,000 metric tons per year, to be operational by 2020.
“The location for the new paper machine is currently being assessed,” states the company, adding that “the Blue Paper site in Strasbourg [France] is a likely investment location.”