AUSTIA (News release) -- Norske Skog's Board of Directors has made the final investment decision to convert one machine at the Bruck (Austria) industrial site from newsprint to recycled containerboard production. This is the first major step of the two planned European conversion projects in the group's strategy of establishing Norske Skog as a leading independent European producer of recycled containerboard.

The conversion at Bruck will introduce 210,000 tonnes of competitive containerboard capacity to meet the growing demand for renewable packaging. The project has received financing commitment from regional banks. Containerboard production will be based 100% on recycled fibre and will use steam from a new waste-to-energy plant, making Bruck a cost leading and green energy producer.

"This investment decision represents the coming of a new era for Norske Skog and is a major step to become a leading independent European producer of high-quality, renewable and environmentally produced containerboard. The conversion project illustrates the inherent potential of our industrial sites and will strengthen Norske Skog's asset base and cash flow generation for decades ahead," says Norske Skog's CEO Sven Ombudstvedt.

Norske Skog plans to introduce 765,000 tons of competitive recycled containerboard capacity in Europe by investing approximately Euro 350 million to convert Bruck PM3 and Golbey PM1 in France. The converted machines are expected to generate an annual EBITDA of approximately NOK 700-800 million in 2025/26, based on historical trend prices for containerboard and recycled fibre. The final investment decision to convert Bruck PM3 was taken on 22 April, and a similar decision for Golbey PM1 is expected in the 2Q 2021.

Norske Skog will invest approximately Euro 100 million in the conversion of Bruck PM3, and financing facilities of Euro 70 million have been committed by banks at agreed terms subject to final documentation. The remaining investment amount will be covered by cash on balance and cash flows.

Recycled containerboard production at Bruck PM3 will start in the 4Q2022 following a three-month production stand-still. Full production utilisation of 210,000 tonnes of testliner and fluting is expected in the second half of 2025. The waste-to-energy plant starting up at the Bruck industrial site in the first half of 2022, will supply cost efficient and sustainable steam for the containerboard production. The second machine at Bruck, with capacity of 265,000 tonnes of LWC magazine paper, will continue production unaffected by the project. Norske Skog will still remain a committed supplier of high-quality publication paper products, and a strong and reliable supplier of all publication paper grades after the planned conversion.

Norske Skog is a world leading producer of publication paper. The Norske Skog group operates four mills in Europe, of which two will produce recycled containerboard following planned conversion projects.