KING’S LYNN, UK — The Palm Group has announced plans to convert paper machine 7 (PM 7) at its King’s Lynn Mill in the United Kingdom from newsprint production to corrugated case material (CCM) production.

The conversion reflects changing market conditions in the European paper industry, particularly the continued decline in demand for newsprint.

Shift Driven by Newsprint Market Decline

PM 7 currently produces newsprint and has an annual production capacity of approximately 400,000 tonnes.

Palm said the decision to convert the machine was driven by the structural decline of the Western European newsprint market, where demand has fallen by 60% over the past decade.

The company said it needs to adjust production capacity to match changing market conditions while continuing to serve existing newsprint customers.

Palm will maintain its commitment to newsprint production through its two paper machines at the Eltmann Mill, which together have an annual capacity of 550,000 tonnes.

The company recently invested €100 million in the Eltmann site to strengthen competitiveness and support its long-term position in the newsprint sector.

New PM 7 to Produce Recycled Lightweight Containerboard

Following conversion, PM 7 will produce lightweight corrugated case material with an annual capacity of 700,000 tonnes.

The upgraded machine will feature:

• Production capacity: 700,000 tonnes/year
• Basis weight: from 60 g/m²
• Machine width: 10.6 metres
• Fibre source: 100% recycled paper furnish

The project will expand Palm’s position in the packaging paper market, where demand continues to grow due to increasing requirements for recyclable and fibre-based packaging solutions.

King’s Lynn Mill Expands Packaging Focus

The King’s Lynn Mill was built on a greenfield site in 2009 and currently operates a single paper machine, PM 7.

Palm expects the conversion project to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.

The Palm Group, headquartered in Aalen, Germany, operates through three main business areas:

• Papierfabrik Palm — five paper mills producing paper grades
• Palm Packaging Group — 33 packaging plants
• Palm Recycling — collection and processing of recovered paper for reuse in paper production

Last Updated on 22/07/2026 by Jota Machinery