As earlier announced, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), Lakeforest, Ill., USA, will convert PM 3 fine paper machine at its Wallula, Wash., paper mill to kraftliner production. According to PCA, PM 3 will produce 360,000 metric tons (400,000 short tons) of "virgin kraft linerboard" as of the end of next year. The company puts the capital cost of the project at approximately $150 million.

The conversion of the PM 3 is planned for the second quarter of 2018 with an initial production rate of approximately 60% of capacity, PCA explained. Production will increase to 1,040 metric tpd once a new headbox, forming section, and shoe press are installed in the fourth quarter of 2018, the company added.

PM 3 is part of PCA's paper division which trades under the name of Boise Paper and has an installed capacity of 180,000 metric tons (200,000 short tons) of commodity and specialty fine paper. PM 3 is producing woodfree uncoated paper, such as cut-size office papers or offset printing paper, and one side paper for label and release applications.

The conversion of PM 3 to kraftliner production would provide the company with "much needed linerboard capacity" and enable further optimization and enhancement of PCA's mill capacity and corrugated box plant operations, according to Mark Kowlzan, PCA chairman and CEO.