Following acquisitions and organic growth, VPK’s (Belgium) packaging division has experienced a significant expansion. Recent acquisitions include ICS Europaks in Ireland (2015), Peterson in Scandinavia (2016), SolidPack in the Netherlands (2017), and a participation in Corrboard in the U.K. (2017).

To increase the integration rate, thereby optimizing the operational balance of resource management, VPK has decided to invest in a new paper machine for lightweight recycled containerboard. The investment aims at an additional capacity of 400.000 metric tpy, to be operational by 2020. 

The location for the new paper machine is currently being assessed. With its strategic location within VPK’s packaging network and the possibility of leveraging synergies with the high performing, existing infrastructure and papermaking expertise, the Blue Paper site in Strasbourg, France, is a likely investment location, the company noted.