Sappi has recently started producing label papers at its flagship site in Gratkorn. The ultra-modern site in Gratkorn is one of the largest paper mills in Europe. With the portfolio expansion, Sappi will meet customer demands for base papers for non-wet-strength wet-glue and self-adhesive labels and keep pace with market growth.
With more than 400 years of experience in paper production, the site in Gratkorn is renowned for high-quality, multi-coated fine papers used for graphical applications. Traditionally, label papers are produced in Alfeld, Germany, and Carmignano, Italy, as well as in the USA at Somerset mill, and Gratkorn now represents the perfect addition. With modern production facilities, from paper machines to finishing technology, as well as extensive expertise in the production of coated papers, the site has everything in place to ensure top-class products. Available capacity is being expanded gradually to include the production of Parade Label papers alongside existing graphical grades. This means that sufficient volume is available to supply customers reliably, even for large requirements.
The Gratkorn site offers another advantage: the higher production capacity will enable innovation leader Sappi to further expand its portfolio of label papers and open up new segments, which was previously not possible due to the limited capacity at the previous sites. «In June this year, we will launch Parade Label Pro in basis weights of 80 and 90 gsm after successfully completing internal and external qualification processes» explains Michael Bethge, Sales Director Specialty Papers at Sappi. «We are very pleased with the extremely positive feedback we have received from our development partners – leading European printers, some of which are global players – regarding the print results and runnability. This is the result of very close cooperation during the development phase. We expect the market launch of Parade Label SG for the self-adhesive industry as early as late summer 2021. Together with the label papers from our Carmignano, Alfeld and Somerset mills, we will significantly expand our market position. Further product range extensions are in the implementation planning stage».
The integrated mill in Gratkorn is one of the largest and most modern paper mills in Europe. In 2014, the paper machine for coated grades was upgraded to state-of-the-art technology, and in 2015 parts of the caustic boiler were rebuilt and the recovery system was completed.