Consumables

Sappi expands portfolio at Austrian site in Gratkorn

Wednesday 02. June 2021 - In the field of labels, Sappi, not only convinces with quality and diversity, but also relies on optimal customer service in terms of production and delivery reliability. Since recently, the company has been producing label papers at the Gratkorn plant, thus further expanding its capacity.

Further production site for one-side coated papers for self-adhesive and wet-glue labels
Portfolio expansion with high supply security:
Parade Label Pro 80 and 90 gsm for wet-glue labelling.
Parade Label SG 77, 78, 80 g/sqm for self-adhesive labelling
Sappi recently started producing label papers at its state-of-the-art Gratkorn mill in Austria, one of the largest paper mills in Europe. This portfolio expansion will enable Sappi to better meet customer demands for base papers for non-wet-strength wet-glue and self-adhesive labels and keep pace with market growth. With more than 400 years of experience in paper production, the Gratkorn site has so far been known for high-quality multi-coated fine papers for graphic applications. While label papers in Europe were previously only produced in Alfeld, Germany and Carmignano, Italy, as well as in the USA at the Somerset site, Gratkorn now offers the ideal expansion of the range. Modern production facilities, from paper machines to sizing equipment, and many years of know-how in the manufacture of coated papers are the best prerequisites for first-class products. In addition to the existing graphic papers, the available capacity is gradually being expanded to include the production of Parade Label label papers. This means that sufficient volume is available to supply customers reliably, even for large requirements.
New products planned
The Gratkorn site offers another advantage: the higher production capacity will enable innovation leader Sappi to further expand its portfolio of label papers and open up new segments, which was previously not possible due to the limited capacity at the previous sites. “In June this year, we will launch Parade Label Pro in basis weights of 80 and 90 gsm after successfully completing internal and external qualification processes. We are very pleased with the extremely positive feedback we have received from our development partners – leading European printers, some of which are global players – regarding the print results and runnability. This is the result of very close cooperation during the development phase. We expect the market launch of Parade Label SG for the self-adhesive industry as early as late summer 2021. Together with the label papers from our Carmignano, Alfeld and Somerset mills, we will significantly expand our market position. Further product range extensions are in the implementation planning stage,” announces Michael Bethge, Sales Director Speciality Papers at Sappi.
The integrated mill in Gratkorn is one of the largest and most modern paper mills in Europe. In 2014, the paper machine for coated grades was upgraded to state-of-the-art technology, and in 2015 parts of the caustic boiler were rebuilt and the recovery system was completed. Since then, the surrounding area has enjoyed less noise and lower SO2 emissions.