Lecta has confirmed the temporary shutdown of a coated woodfree papermaking line at its Condat mill in France, with a decision on a potential conversion project pending.

The Spain-headquartered papermaking group said that the downward trend in demand for CWF paper – with overall sales in Europe down 9% last year – had worsened in recent months, and the decision to shutter PM8 at the mill would be re-evaluated in the coming months "depending on market developments". The shutdown came into effect at the end of April.

Lecta said the group’s ability to meet customer demand for this type of paper was "assured".

"Condat’s brand product range and service levels during this period are guaranteed due to efficiency improvements and streamlining on Condat’s Line 4 as well as through the contribution of the Group’s other CWF paper mills."

Condat’s production capacity was 414,000 metric tpy, according to the company, while the overall group has CWF capacity of more than 850,000 metric tons.

Premier Paper’s ‘Essential’ range of coated papers is made at the mill. Group Marketing Director David Jones said supply would be unaffected.

"This is a planned shutdown and they have made enough to keep all customers supplied without interruption. We’ve got plenty of stock and they’ve got plenty of stock so we see no issues with supply," Jones said.

Lecta is evaluating a potential conversion project that could see PM 8 switch to the production of speciality papers for labels and flexible packaging. "Lecta continues working on a strategic transformation plan that will allow Condat to move forward with greater chances of success, although this project needs further definition over the next few months," the firm stated.

 

Source: Printweek