Palm has announced a major strategic shift for its paper operations by repurposing its PM7 paper machine at its King's Lynn, UK, mill for corrugated case material (CCM) production.
The project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027 and reflects the continued decline of the European newsprint market.
Commissioned in 2009 on a greenfield site, the King's Lynn mill has undergone continuous modernization and investment. Its PM7 machine, with a width of 10.6 metres, is recognized as the world's widest newsprint paper machine. Combined with the site's dedicated power plant, the facility is considered one of Europe's most advanced paper mills.
Responding to structural newsprint decline
According to Palm, demand for newsprint in Western Europe has fallen by approximately 60% over the past decade, a structural trend the company expects to continue. As one of Europe's leading newsprint producers, Palm said it is adapting its production footprint to better align with evolving market demand.
Following the conversion, PM7 will manufacture lightweight corrugated case material made from recycled fiber, with basis weights starting at 60 g/m². Annual production capacity is expected to reach up to 700,000 tonnes.
The company said the machine's advanced configuration will enable high-quality CCM production while supporting a wide range of reel widths. Beginning in March 2027, Palm expects to supply customers in the UK and mainland Europe with shorter lead times and greater flexibility through its network of four CCM paper mills located in Germany, France and the UK.
Continued commitment to newsprint
Despite the conversion in King's Lynn, Palm emphasized that it remains committed to serving the newsprint market.
The company will continue operating its two paper machines in Eltmann, Germany, which together have an annual production capacity of 550,000 tonnes of newsprint. Palm noted that recent investments totaling €100 million at the Eltmann mill are intended to strengthen the site's long-term competitiveness and reinforce its position as a reliable supplier to newsprint customers.
The repurposing of PM7 reflects the ongoing transformation of the European paper industry, where manufacturers are increasingly shifting capacity from graphic papers to packaging grades in response to changing market demand.
Palm is one of Europe's leading producers of paper made from 100% recovered fiber and a major manufacturer of corrugated packaging. Headquartered in Aalen, Germany, the family-owned company operates paper mills, corrugated box plants and recycling facilities across Europe. Palm supplies newsprint, corrugated case material and high-quality packaging solutions while maintaining a strong focus on resource efficiency, recycling and sustainable production.
