Paper machine grade conversion

The world is changing fast; the consumption of newsprint and printing/writing papers is decreasing. The consumption of containerboards or cartonboards are rapidly increasing due to the e-commerce. An old paper machine can be updated with a grade conversion rebuild to produce more profitable products like containerboards, cartonboards or special papers.

Turn a new page for your paper machine

Together, we can find a solution for your purpose. Valmet is the trusted partner for you. Check the consumption forecasts for paper and board grades to see if you should consider a paper machine conversion for your paper or board making line:

Consumption forecasts for paper and board grades

Ensure successful conversion by pilot trials

Valmet Paper Technology Centers provides the world's most comprehensive offering of testing and piloting services to paper and board manufacturers worldwide. Our pilot facilities have the entire process covered, providing customers with excellent service and reliable results to support grade conversion investment decisions.

Interested in pilot trials?

We offer the opportunity to experiment and develop paper and board products and processes without having to put your own production on hold. Follow the activities in the trials on site or remotely through live streaming cameras. Pilot trials are very cost-efficient compared to expensive tests in paper and board maker's own production.

Contact our pilot trial experts

Explore results of paper-to-packaging conversion

Stora Enso’s Varkaus mill in Finland converted their existing paper machine PM 3 into a board machine to produce linerboard to better meet the market need for renewable packaging. They chose Valmet as their partner for this challenging rebuild. Check the video to learn what they tell about their journey.

Watch our videos on grade conversions

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VPK Group’s grade conversion in Alizay

Sep 24, 2024

Watch the video to find out more on how VPK Group successfully transformed their Alizay mill in France. Originally producing fine paper grades, the mill’s paper machine has been rebuilt to produce recycled lightweight containerboard grades with less emissions. Cooperation has been the key to success.

New life for an entire paper making line at Burgo Verzuolo

Oct 11, 2021

Jani Hakola, Project Manager, Burgo, walks you through how the LWC machine at Burgo Verzuolo was completely transformed to produce containerboard; new OCC line, completely updated board machine with automation and services.

Bohui Zibo BM6 grade conversion

Dec 12, 2019

A giant was born when Bohui started their new containerboard machine BM 6 – the widest and largest of its kind in Asia. From the initial start-up all the way to the conversion to printing paper production, the onsite processes and machine optimization have been supported by global experts from Valmet’s Performance Center.

Successful conversion from paper to board – Stora Enso Varkaus PM3

Sep 15, 2017

From Paper to packaging – Stora Enso’s Varkaus mill in Finland converted their existing paper machine into a board machine to produce linerboard in 2015. They chose Valmet as their partner for this challenging rebuild. The successful conversion from paper to board has been a marvelous journey to better meet the market need for renewable packaging.

Read our latest customer success stories about Valmet grade conversion deliveries

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Aiming for net-zero with every decision – VPK Group’s grade conversion in Alizay, France

Sep 23, 2024

After successful collaboration in converting their Strasbourg mill in 2013, VPK again trusted Valmet with their grade conversion project in Alizay. Their paper machine now produces recycled lightweight containerboard grades with less emissions.

Layering headbox increased production and reduced costs at PT. Aspex Kumbong PM 3

Aug 13, 2024

PT. Aspex Kumbong mill successfully completed a grade conversion rebuild for their PM 3 from newsprint to light fluting and liner grades in 2023. The Valmet supplied rebuild consisted of a new OptiFlo Layering Gap headbox and improvements in the press section, which allowed the mill to increase production and upgrade quality to improve profitability.

Valmet and Cascades celebrate successful start-up of a grade conversion rebuild at Bear Island in Ashland, Virginia

May 19, 2023

On May 2, Cascades announced that it produced its first roll of 100% recycled containerboard at the Bear Island mill in Virginia, United States. As previously announced, Valmet supplied an extensive paper machine-grade conversion rebuild for this mill.

A new start with an OCC grade conversion at Burgo Verzuolo PM 9

Nov 2, 2021

In 2020, Burgo's Verzuolo converted their existing paper machine to OCC board grades. This meant high-quality grades with minimal virgin fibers and low operating costs. Everyone involved was very pleased with the results.

How to plan a successful rebuild?

Rebuilding a paper or board machine can improve the competitiveness of your business and your processes. But where do you start? Download our e-book to learn how to develop a winning rebuild concept, how to minimize rebuild related risks, and how to ensure smooth ramp up to full production.

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Explore our latest board and paper press releases

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