The Navigator Company has begun the pre-engineering phase for the conversion of its PM3 paper machine, located at the integrated pulp and paper mill in Setúbal with the aim of shifting its production towards low basis weights’ flexible packaging paper. This project reinforces the company’s strategic commitment to innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, aligning with the growing global demand for alternatives to plastic and the transition to biodegradable and recyclable materials.
The pre-engineering phase is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2025, when the final investment decision will be made, with the goal of starting production of these products in the third quarter of 2026.
The PM3 is a Valmet machine installed in 1990 with successive upgrades over the years (1997, 2003, 2007 and 2018). With a width of 4.55 meters and a speed of 1,160 m/min, PM3 currently has a capacity of approximately 180,000 tons of UWF paper. It is expected to stand out in the production of flexible packaging paper due to its size and very high competitiveness in a market dominated by smaller, older and less efficient machines. The unit’s conversion will allow Navigator to diversify and expand its portfolio of sustainable products, strengthening its presence in the flexible packaging sector.
The market has demonstrated strong acceptance of Navigator’s differentiated solutions based on eucalyptus globulus fibre, as evidenced by the growth of the gKRAFT range™ and the good performance of the low grammage gKRAFT™ for flexible packaging applications.
In fact, Navigator continues to expand its customer base, which already numbers more than 300, in an operation that is entirely based on its own brand – gKRAFT™. This supports the full dedication of PM1 at the Setúbal plant to packaging products. Additionally, PM1 at the integrated pulp and paper Figueira da Foz plant also has the technical capacity to produce flexible packaging paper in low basis weights.
This conversion will enable Navigator to respond swiftly and efficiently to the growing demands of the flexible packaging market, while managing its industrial assets with greater flexibility, allowing for a seamless transition between the production of printing and writing paper and packaging paper as market conditions evolve.
With this initiative, The Navigator Company reaffirms its commitment to innovation and sustainability, aligning with international best practices and anticipating the needs of a changing market. At the same time, it actively contributes to a circular, carbon-neutral bioeconomy model based on the responsible valorisation of forest resources.
Under the brand gKRAFT™, Navigator is consolidating its position as a global supplier of high-quality kraft papers. With a comprehensive range fitting segments such as flexible packaging, bags, fill & form packaging and box applications, gKRAFT™ takes advantage of the specific molecular structure and morphology of Eucalyptus globulus fibres to deliver resistant and sustainable solutions that allow the usage of lighter weights delivering the same strength. Using 100% virgin fibres it is also the safer and healthier solution for applications that require contact with food and skin.
Eucalyptus globulus is 5 to 7 times more productive than Nordic Pine and requires significantly less wood (up to 40% less) to produce the same amount of paper. It also grows faster, enhancing carbon dioxide absorption, both at the tree and in the soil (30-75% of the total carbon captured by the tree remains permanently in the soil after harvesting). Additionally, research demonstrates this eucalyptus species supports more recycling cycles (2 – 6 times more, depending on the species). All together gKRAFT™ is the product of choice for brand owners that want to convey a fact-based sustainability position for their brands.
gKRAFT™ reinforces Navigator’s commitment to help accelerate the transition from plastic to natural, sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable fibres, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the environment – “From Fossil to Forest”.
Photo: Navigator
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