WEPA and Honext to build first European plant for enzyme-bonded fibreboard
WEPA and Spanish materials developer Honext will convert part of the former paper mill at Kriebstein, Saxony, into what they describe as Europe's first plant making recycled fibreboard from paper-production waste, with output starting in 2028. The EUR 39m project, backed by EUR 9.85m from the Saxon state government and a EUR 22.5m EIB loan, will use a patented enzyme-bonded, glue-free process to turn around 40,000 tonnes a year of mill waste into board for interior fit-out, wall cladding and acoustic panels.
Why this mattersA glue-free, enzyme-bonded fibreboard from mill waste gives paper producers a new outlet for process residues and a template other mills could replicate.
- WEPA and Spanish materials developer Honext will build two production lines at the former Kriebstein paper mill in Saxony, Germany, for EUR 39m
- Production of recycled, glue-free fibreboard is to start in 2028, using around 40,000 tonnes a year of paper-production waste generated on site
- The state of Saxony is funding the project with EUR 9.85m and the European Investment Bank is providing a long-term loan of EUR 22.5m
- The company says it will be the first factory of this kind in Europe
- The patented process uses enzymes as a binder, making the board free of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds
- About 280 people currently work in paper production at the Kriebstein site, with additional jobs expected from the new plant
- WEPA operates 15 sites in six European countries and reports annual revenue of EUR 1.9bn (USD 2.1bn).
- Intended end uses for the fibreboard include retail and exhibition fit-out and flexible office partitioning, alongside wall/ceiling cladding and acoustic products.
- The project is run through the joint venture Honext x Wepa.