Norske Skog hits record packaging volumes as Bruck PM3 reaches maximum capacity

The structural decline of graphic paper has forced many historic manufacturers to pivot or perish. For Norske Skog, the strategic bet on converting its legacy assets into high-performance packaging mills is no longer just a blueprint—it is yielding solid operational milestones. The company's Q2 2026 financial results confirm a successful acceleration of its transformation, backed by record delivery numbers and robust machine utilization rates that demonstrate undeniable engineering and commercial execution.

A significant leap in recycled containerboard

During the second quarter of 2026, Norske Skog achieved record deliveries of recycled containerboard, hitting 122,000 tonnes. This surge is the direct consequence of the intensive ramp-up phases at both the Bruck mill in Austria and the Golbey facility in France. Across all grades, total paper deliveries climbed an impressive 31% year-over-year, reaching a volume of 392,000 tonnes.

From an industry standpoint, ramping up a converted paper machine (PM) is notoriously complex. It requires optimizing drying sections, adjusting tension controls for heavier basis weights, and establishing a new recovered paper supply chain. The fact that Bruck PM3 achieved 100% utilization during the quarter is a masterclass in operational stabilization. For any mill manager, reaching nameplate capacity on a converted line within the projected timeline is the ultimate validation of the capital expenditure invested.

Golbey PM1 approaches the finish line

While Austria operates at full throttle, the French operations are steadily climbing the curve. Golbey PM1 reached a 53% utilization rate in Q2 2026. Norske Skog projects that both machines will be operating at 100% capacity during the first half of 2027. This phased capacity introduction has allowed the company to enter the European containerboard market without heavily disrupting regional supply dynamics.

Furthermore, the timing of this capacity increase aligns with a favorable pricing environment. The Q2 results were significantly supported by stronger containerboard pricing across Europe. Following the inventory destocking cycles seen in previous years, demand for testliner and fluting has normalized, allowing producers to pass on some of the persistent energy and raw material costs. Norske Skog has leveraged this recovering demand to secure strategic accounts that value independent, European-based recycled paper supply.

Strategic resilience in 2026 and beyond

The transformation of Norske Skog is a testament to the circular economy functioning at an industrial scale. By repurposing existing infrastructure rather than building greenfield sites, the company has minimized its carbon footprint while securing a foothold in a growing packaging sector.

The successful conversion of graphic paper machines into highly efficient recycled containerboard lines proves that strategic foresight, paired with operational discipline, can breathe new life into heritage industrial assets. Will the European corrugated market have enough underlying demand to smoothly absorb the remaining tonnage when Golbey hits full capacity in 2027, or will we see aggressive pricing strategies to secure volume? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai