Containerboard production at Norske Skog Golbey in France is expected to start during the first quarter of 2025, previously the second half of 2024. Commissioning of roll warehouse, containerboard winder, and the effluent station is ongoing. In addition, pre-commissioning (I/O check) has started for the OCC drum pulper and will start in early October for the paper machine (PM1).

However, work relating to piping and electrical cabling has taken longer than planned. The net investment amount has been increased to EUR 320 million from previous EUR 300 million as a result of the revised timeline and the additional work required. Containerboard production at Golbey will become part of the Packaging Paper accounting segment from the first quarter of 2025. The BCTMP main study at Norske Skog Saugbrugs has commenced with support from engineerng consultants and vendor dialogues.

Final investment decision is still expected during the first half of 2025. - Completion of the containerboard project at Golbey remains a top priority across the Norske Skog group and for me personally. We will do our utmost to complete the project within the updated time frame and budget, and look forward to start customer deliveries. This project has provided us with important lessons that will be implemented in the BCTMP project at Saugbrugs, says CEO Geir Drangsland.