BillerudKorsnäs (billerudkorsnas.com), a leading Swedish manufacturer of packaging materials has announced the opening of a regional facility in the Chicago area. Combined with current offices in Portland, Ore. and Miami, Fla., the new location represents a significant expansion of customer service, support and supply capabilities in the North American market. It also reflects the current strategy of BillerudKorsnäs to grow its business in the U.S. and Canada.

The company provides world-class paper, fluting, liners, paperboard materials and advanced technologies to brand owners and converters. It also offers BillerudKorsnäs Managed Packaging, a unique service that unlocks supply chain opportunities and reduces operational costs for global brands shipping from Southeast Asia. Additionally, the company’s Corrugated Solutions supplies lightweight and strong materials, including flutings and liners, to help brand owners package fragile goods requiring protection within demanding distribution systems.

BillerudKorsnäs was recently included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index’s Containers and Packaging category as among the 10 percent most sustainable companies in the world. BillerudKorsnäs improves packaging performance and enhances sustainability efforts for North American brands by sourcing raw materials from responsibly managed forests. The company is making significant investments in its production capabilities, including $622 million to construct a new board machine at its Gruvön, Sweden, production site and rebuilds in its existing pulp mill. These investments enable expanded production of liquid packaging board, coated and uncoated white kraft liners and cartonboard products to satisfy growing global demand, including in North America.

To help support brands and converters in North America, BillerudKorsnäs has expanded its staff with experienced industry professionals. 

”Opening a new facility in Chicago reflects the long-term strategy of BillerudKorsnäs to grow market share in North America by helping brand owners implement sustainable and innovative packaging solutions and to realize supply chain efficiencies. It also enhances our ability to supply high-quality products to our customers. Additionally, we are bringing new talent with years of experience in the paper and converting industries who will be dedicated to meeting and exceeding customer needs,” said Peter Malmqvist, marketing director for the Americas.