Swedish pulp and paper manufacturer Billerud is set to upgrade a paper machine at its Gruvön mill in Sweden with a new headbox, as part of a project aimed at improving the performance of its Billerud Flute containerboard.  

The rebuild is planned for April 2026, with commercial availability of the upgraded product expected in the second half of the year.  

The new headbox is intended to enhance fibre orientation and sheet formation, delivering higher strength characteristics and more consistent quality.  

The investment is aimed at supporting packaging used in demanding logistics chains and challenging climate conditions. 

Billerud Flute is a semi-chemical fluting produced from 100% primary fibre sourced from northern birch.  

The material has demonstrated its performance in short span compression tests (SCT) and corrugated crush tests (CCT), with strength levels tailored to support packaging for products such as fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as fragile or heavy goods. 

The anticipated strength gains from the upgrade could enable packaging converters to cut grammage by one level in certain uses, reducing material input while maintaining performance.  

The grade can also function as a centre liner in double or triple wall corrugated structures, where its higher compression strength compared with traditional Kraftliner can permit grammage reductions of up to 30% in the centre liner. 

Billerud Flute can be deployed in corrugated formats as an alternative to conventional wood and plywood packaging, with potential benefits including lower weight and reduced freight, logistics and handling costs. 

Billerud Paperboard Business area acting vice-president Johan Wallin stated: “Billerud Flute is already recognised for its world-class performance and reliability. This investment ensures we continue to lead the industry in fresh fibre fluting, delivering measurable performance and sustainability improvements for our customers.”