Skogn to start production of book paper
17/06/2025
Norske Skog Skogn will enter the European market for book paper during the second quarter of 2026. The new product, branded NOR Book, will be offered in standard qualities pertaining to bulkiness, brightness, and shade. The net investment of NOK 40 million (EUR 3.5 million) at paper machine one (PM1) will provide flexibility to switch between newsprint and book paper with capacity of more than 140 000 tonnes.
Norske Skog Skogn has together with the international technology group ANDRITZ developed a low capex project to enable production of both newsprint and book paper at PM1. Several trial runs have been completed with satisfying results. Following the switch to 100% virgin fibre at Skogn in 2024, the mill has the opportunity to produce bulky and bright paper utilising its high-quality thermomechanical pulp. The project will provide the opportunity to further increase paper bulk to cover the main grades of wood containing book paper. In addition, the customers will benefit from industry leading low CO2 emissions when choosing paper from the Skogn mill.
“The project development team at Skogn has shown impressive creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. This will diversify the mill’s product portfolio, enable a shift into markets with stable demand outlook, and improve the long-term competitiveness of the mill. We have received very positive feedback from potential customers and look forward to introducing our new product and become a top three supplier of book paper in Europe” says Geir Drangsland, CEO of Norske Skog.
Execution of the project will not have any impact on newsprint deliveries from the Skogn mill. Entry into the book paper market will start gradually from the second quarter of 2026, which will result in reduced newsprint volumes to export markets in Asia. The European market demand for wood-containing book paper has remained stable at approximately 400 000 tonnes per year.
About Norske Skog
Norske Skog is a leading producer of publication paper and packaging with four high quality industrial sites, strong market positions, and close customer relations in Europe. Norske Skog aims to further diversify its operations and continue its transformation into growing and high margin markets through a range of promising development projects. The Group has approximately 1 700 employees, is headquartered in Norway, and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker NSKOG.