To meet rising demand for high-quality, fiber-based sustainable packaging, Sappi North America says it is now delivering commercial product to customers following the completion of Project Elevate, the $500-million conversion and expansion of Paper Machine No. 2 (PM2) at its Somerset Mill in Maine. Qualification processes are being completed with a number of customers, and production will ramp up to full volumes through 2026.
The investment doubles PM2’s production capacity and strengthens Sappi’s position as a leader in sustainable packaging by transforming Somerset into one of the most advanced production sites for high-performance SBS (solid bleached sulfate) paperboard.
“This is a pivotal moment for Sappi North America,” says Michael Haws, President and CEO. “With PM2, we have delivered the largest rebuild in our company’s history, doubling the machine’s capacity and positioning Somerset as a leader in sustainably manufactured paperboard. The true success of this project lies in our people. Their precision, focus, and unwavering commitment to safety enabled us to complete a complex transformation, all while keeping the mill fully operational. This investment goes beyond machinery; it’s about laying the foundation for long-term innovation, sustainable growth, and lasting impact.”
As production continues to ramp up, this strategic investment is planned to deliver approximately 470,000 tonnes of annual capacity and expands Sappi’s ability to produce a full range of high-performance, SBS-paperboard grades, including folding carton, foodservice board, and cups. This positions Sappi North America as a full-service SBS provider, enhancing its ability to support both domestic and global packaging customers with advanced technology that delivers superior product quality and consistency.
Sappi North America began the PM2 conversion in 2022, following the successful rebuild of PM1 in 2018. These upgrades demonstrate Sappi’s commitment to modernizing its operations in ways that support both business growth and environmental responsibility.