#United States #Legacy Paper Group #Port Huron #Specialty Paper

The Legacy Paper Group Revives Paper Machine #8

The Legacy Paper Group, a prominent subsidiary of BMI Group US, has announced the recommissioning of Paper Machine #8 (PM8) at its Port Huron facility. This revival marks a significant milestone, bringing an additional 30,000 tons of specialty paper production capacity back into operation after a four-year hiatus. The movement comes in response to a surge in market demand for lightweight and sustainable papers, particularly in the food packaging sector, which has significantly evolved in recent years.

A Rich History of Production

The paper mill in Port Huron has a storied past, having operated since 1888 and undergone various ownership transitions over the years, including companies like Port Huron Sulphite and Paper Co. and Domtar Specialty Papers. PM8 itself specializes in creating ultra-lightweight and high-quality papers used in quick-service restaurant packaging, candy wrappers, medical table covers, and other sustainable products.

Mark Bessette, Managing Director of The Legacy Paper Group, stated, "The fundamentals driving specialty paper demand have never been stronger. Consumer behavior shifts accelerated by the pandemic, combined with intensifying focus on packaging sustainability, have created a significant supply-demand imbalance that PM8 is uniquely positioned to address."

Market Dynamics

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly transformed consumer dining habits, leading to a notable rise in food delivery and takeout services through platforms such as Uber Eats and Grubhub. This change has created a lasting demand for packaging materials that not only meet compliance standards of global food brands but also reflect a commitment to sustainability.

Public scrutiny of packaging materials has intensified, especially on social media, promoting the advantages of paper-based solutions over plastic. Unlike their oil-based counterparts, paper products are renewable, biodegradable, and compostable, addressing growing consumer concerns about environmental impact, including microplastics pollution.

"Our customers are demanding sustainable packaging solutions that don't compromise on performance," added Bessette, emphasizing the critical balance between environmental benefits and the functional requirements needed for food service applications. The specialty papers from PM8 are designed to meet this demand effectively.

Strategic Investment in the Future

The restart of PM8 is not just a comeback; it signals a strategic investment in the ever-growing market for lightweight food-grade paper. The Port Huron facility's geographical positioning allows effective access to key markets across the Midwest and Northeast, enabling rapid production scaling combined with established supply chains and a skilled workforce.

Port Huron City Manager James Freed expressed optimism about the restart, noting, "Legacy Port Huron Paper represents the rebirth of our community's rich history of making quality paper. The good-paying jobs created are well needed and will bolster our economic position in the state."

Looking Ahead

This initiative underscores nearly 140 years of papermaking expertise at the Port Huron site and combines it with modern investment strategies to adapt to evolving customer needs while fortifying The Legacy Paper Group's position in the specialty packaging market. As they look to the future, the focus remains on providing innovative, sustainable paper solutions that cater to a range of industries, including food service and medical markets.

For more information about The Legacy Paper Group and its commitment to sustainable production, you can visit their website at legacypapergroup.com.