DS Smith has unveiled a £48m investment in a new fibre preparation line (F-line) at its Kemsley paper mill.
Forming part of DS Smith’s organic investment program, this multi-year investment will deliver attractive returns through improved efficiency and reduced costs. Commissioning of the new Stock Preparation plant is due early in 2026.
The new line will supply recycled fibre to PM3, that is capable of producing white top testliner, plasterboard liner and other corrugated case materials grades.
A state-of-the-art drum pulping and screening system that more efficiently separates contaminants from fibre such as plastics, barriers and coatings will also be installed as part of this initiative.
Production waste will be significantly decreased by 39,000 tonnes annually which also helps the business reach its 2030 target of optimising every fibre for every supply chain and sending zero waste to landfill. The new equipment will lower Kemsley mill’s freshwater use by more than 50,000m3 a year – the equivalent of 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Niels Flierman, Head of Paper & Recycling, DS Smith, commented, “Kemsley paper mill is an important part of our business and of the UK’s recycling capacity, recycling up to one million Tonnes of paper and card every year. The installation of the new fibre preparation line will ensure that we can continue to make high performing papers more efficiently while delivering on our medium and long-term sustainability goals.”