Niederauer Mühle launches EifelLiner PaperLoop with 25% beverage carton fibers

A strategic move in recycled testliner production

In a significant development for the European corrugated packaging sector, German paper manufacturer Niederauer Mühle has introduced EifelLiner PaperLoop, a white-top testliner incorporating a guaranteed minimum of 25% recycled beverage carton fibers. This launch, announced in September 2026, positions the Kreuzau-based mill as the only German paper manufacturer currently processing these specific fibers in-house for corrugated applications.

The introduction of EifelLiner PaperLoop represents a technical achievement in fiber recovery. Beverage cartons, typically composed of about 75% paperboard along with polyethylene and aluminum layers, present unique challenges in the recycling process. Niederauer Mühle, which has been recycling beverage cartons since 1999, utilizes standard wastepaper processing methods to recover the fiber content, while separating the polyethylene and aluminum fractions for further use.

Capacity and market implications

Niederauer Mühle operates with a production capacity exceeding 300,000 tons of paper annually, specializing in white corrugated medium paper. The integration of beverage carton fibers into their testliner production not only diversifies their raw material sourcing but also addresses the growing demand for circular packaging solutions in the corrugated board market.

The use of 100% recovered paper for their corrugated base papers aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainability and resource efficiency. By guaranteeing a specific percentage of beverage carton fibers, Niederauer Mühle provides converters and brands with a verifiable metric for their own sustainability reporting, a crucial factor in today's environmentally conscious market.

Technical specifications and applications

EifelLiner PaperLoop is designed to meet the rigorous demands of the corrugated packaging industry. The white recycled liner is available in grammages ranging from 120 to 200 g/m², offering whiteness degrees between 71 and 78 percent. These specifications ensure high smoothness and printability, making it suitable for printed cover layers and headliners where visual appeal is as important as structural integrity.

The successful incorporation of these fibers without compromising the performance characteristics of the testliner demonstrates the viability of complex recycled streams in high-quality packaging applications. As the industry looks towards 2027 and beyond, the ability to process and utilize diverse recovered fiber sources will be a key differentiator for paper mills.

The launch of EifelLiner PaperLoop by Niederauer Mühle is a commendable step forward in maximizing the utility of recovered fibers, proving that technical expertise can turn complex recycling challenges into premium packaging products. Will other European mills follow suit and invest in the specialized processing required to tap into the beverage carton fiber stream? 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