DS Smith has unveiled a £48 million investment in a new fibre preparation line (F-line) at its Kemsley paper mill. Forming part of DS Smith's organic investment program, DS Smith says that this multi-year investment will deliver returns through improved efficiency and reduced costs.
The Kemsley produces 830,000 tonnes of paper every year, all of which is made from 100 percent recycled fibre. According to DS Smith, it is the largest mill for recycled papers in the U.K. and the second largest in Europe.
The new line will supply recycled fibre to PM3, which is a highly versatile paper machine, that is capable of producing white top test liner, plasterboard liner, and other corrugated case materials (CCM) grades.
A drum pulping and screening system that separates contaminants from fibre such as plastics, barriers, and coatings will also be installed as part of this initiative. The system maximizes the use of materials in the recycling process in addition to reducing water usage and energy consumption. The installation will also provide a reduction of emissions by more than 6,000 tonnes annually.
Waste will be significantly decreased by 39,000 tonnes annually. The new equipment will lower Kemsley's freshwater use by more than 50,000 cubic metres a year – the equivalent of 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
DS Smith aims to send zero waste to landfill by 2030 and, through the implementation of the stock preparation system, the business will work to maximize the materials that arrive at Kemsley by improving the fibre yield per tonne.
Commissioning of the new stock preparation plant is due early in 2026.
