The Legacy Paper Group, a subsidiary of BMI Group US, announced today that it will restart Paper Machine #8 (PM8) at its Port Huron facility. This move will bring 30,000 tons of annual production capacity back online after a four-year hiatus. The decision to restart PM8 comes in response to the increasing demand for sustainable, lightweight specialty papers used in food packaging and other essential applications.
The Port Huron mill has been operational since 1888, with ownership changing hands several times. The facility has previously been owned by companies including Port Huron Sulphite and Paper Co., Port Huron Paper, Pentair, EB Eddy Paper, and Domtar Specialty Papers. PM8 specializes in producing ultra-lightweight papers that are used for packaging in quick-service restaurants, candy wrappers, medical table covers, tissue overwraps, and other sustainable products.
Meeting Growing Demand for Sustainable Packaging
Mark Bessette, Managing Director of The Legacy Paper Group, emphasized the strong demand for specialty paper. “The fundamentals driving specialty paper demand have never been stronger,” he said. “Consumer habits, accelerated by the pandemic, and a growing focus on sustainable packaging have created a supply-demand gap that PM8 is perfectly positioned to fill.”
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped consumer dining habits, with food delivery and takeout becoming more popular through platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. This shift has created a lasting need for compliant and functional packaging materials that meet the standards of global food brands.
At the same time, the demand for sustainable packaging has grown, driven by heightened awareness on social media. Paper-based packaging is seen as a better alternative to plastic, offering renewable, biodegradable, and compostable options, and avoiding the environmental issues associated with oil-based plastics and microplastic pollution.
“Our customers want sustainable packaging that doesn’t sacrifice quality or performance,” Bessette said. “The specialty papers we produce on PM8 will provide both environmental benefits and the necessary functionality for food service applications.”
Strategic Investment in the Packaging Sector
The restart of PM8 is a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for lightweight, food-grade paper. The Port Huron facility’s location offers cost-effective access to key markets in the Midwest and Northeast, and the mill’s experienced workforce ensures a quick ramp-up in production.
Port Huron City Manager James Freed highlighted the economic benefits of the restart: “The rebirth of Legacy Paper at the Port Huron site will create much-needed, well-paying jobs and strengthen our community’s economic position.”
Bessette also noted the historical significance of the Port Huron mill, saying, “The restart builds on nearly 140 years of papermaking expertise. By combining this legacy with new investments, we are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our customers in the specialty packaging sector.”
About The Legacy Paper Group
The Legacy Paper Group, part of BMI Group US, produces high-quality specialty papers for packaging and industrial applications. Its Port Huron mill focuses on providing sustainable, lightweight paper solutions for the food service, medical, and consumer markets.
