Billerud Americas Corporation

What Billerud Americas Corporation does

Billerud Americas Corporation is the North American operating subsidiary of Billerud AB (publ), a Swedish-listed (Nasdaq Stockholm: BILL) specialty paper and packaging materials manufacturer founded in the 1850s. The company produces high-performance fiber-based packaging materials including cartonboard, containerboard, sack paper, kraft paper bags, liquid packaging board, and graphic/label papers, with key sub-brands CrownBoard, FibreForm, Xpression, Axello, and Pure White. Its technology platform rests on proprietary materials science (FibreForm 3D cold-formable paper, ConFlex HeatSeal, Performance Barrier, Recyclable Flow Wrap) and the True Performance Testing methodology that enables up to 40% material savings, supported by 97% fossil-free European production and the industry's lowest CO2 liquid packaging board footprint.

The group operates 9 integrated production units across Sweden, Finland, and the United States (Escanaba, Quinnesec, Wisconsin Rapids) with 3.5 million tons of annual sales volume, 5,600 employees, and a presence in 100+ countries. Billerud monetizes through direct B2B sales to brand owners and converters under multi-year enterprise contracts, complemented by a converter and machine-OEM partner network (Syntegon, KHS, Sitma, Marbach, Heidelberg) that validates its materials for automated packaging lines. Customer concentration is diversified across food & beverage (Oatly, Atria, Wolf Nudeln, Moonvalley), consumer & luxury (Nolet Distillery, Ridestore, Packoplock), industrial, and medical & hygiene segments, with the group's SEK 40.5 billion FY2025 net sales (~$3.8-4.0B USD) reflecting its scale as one of the world's leading sustainable packaging materials suppliers, ranked #3 in the DJSI Containers & Packaging category.

Name

Billerud Americas Corporation

Legal name

Billerud AB

Website

https://billerud.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1850

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Billerud Americas Corporation is the North American subsidiary of Billerud AB, a Swedish-listed specialty paper and packaging manufacturer producing fiber-based cartonboard, containerboard, sack paper, and kraft paper products for food, consumer, industrial, and medical customers across 100+ countries from nine integrated mills.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Paper and Packaging Materials

NAICS

Paperboard Mills (32213), Paperboard Mills (322130), Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing (322211), Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Mills (3221), Paper Manufacturing (322)

SIC

Paperboard Containers & Boxes (2650), Paperboard Mills (2631), Paper Mills (2621)

akta.pro primary industry

Virgin Containerboard (Kraft Linerboard) Manufacturing (IMAMAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Fiber-Based Sustainable Packaging (Recycled Paper, Molded Fiber, Bagasse) (IMALAMAA)

Keywords

• Paper packaging materials
• Sustainable packaging solutions
• Kraft paper manufacturing
• Cartonboard production
• Fiber-based packaging

Headquarters

HQ city

Solna

HQ country

Sweden

HQ region

Europe

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Paper and Packaging Materials Sales: Billerud generates revenue through the manufacture and sale of high-performance paper and packaging materials including cartonboard, containerboard, sack paper, kraft paper bags, graphic and label papers, and specialty papers. The company serves customers globally in more than 100 countries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Billerud Americas Corporation manufactures and sells high-performance paper and packaging materials made from virgin fiber sourced from responsibly managed forests. The company produces cartonboard, containerboard, sack paper, kraft paper bags, formable paper, liquid packaging board, graphic and label papers, and pulp for brand owners, converters, and industrial customers across more than 100 countries. It complements the materials portfolio with technical services such as BoxLab optimization, True Performance Testing, and a Cartonboard Development Team that has delivered over 3,000 custom packaging projects.

Product overview

Billerud is a world-leading company in high-performance paper and packaging materials, offering a comprehensive portfolio of fiber-based packaging solutions. The company's products span multiple categories: cartonboard (including CrownBoard premium brand), containerboard/corrugated materials, sack paper, kraft paper bags (Xpression, Axello, Basix brands), formable papers (FibreForm), liquid packaging board, and graphic/label papers. The product portfolio includes specialty offerings like ConFlex HeatSeal and Performance Barrier for replacing plastic, as well as pulp products. Billerud also provides extensive services including BoxLab technical center, packaging performance testing, True Performance Testing, and Cartonboard Development Team support. The company emphasizes sustainability with products made from responsibly managed forest fibers, 97-98% fossil-free production, and full recyclability. Serving over 100 countries across food & beverages, consumer & luxury, industrial, and medical & hygiene sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Billerud: Main brand for high-performance paper and packaging materials
• CrownBoard
• FibreForm
• Xpression
• Axello

Products and services

• Cartonboard High-performance cartonboard for demanding packaging applications across food, beverages, consumer goods, and luxury packaging, sold to brand owners and converters.
• Containerboard Corrugated packaging materials including fluting and liners for transport boxes and industrial packaging solutions.
• Sack Paper Kraft paper designed for industrial sack applications, providing strength and durability for heavy-duty packaging such as cement and chemical sacks.
• Kraft Paper Bags Paper carrier bags for retail and consumer applications, including branded kraft paper with high strength and printability for fashion, retail, and luxury customers.
• Kraft Paper Flexible Flexible kraft paper for various packaging applications including wrapping and converting into flexible packaging formats.
• Kraft Paper Medical Specialty kraft paper designed for medical and healthcare packaging applications requiring purity and contamination control.
• Kraft Paper Speciality Specialty kraft papers for niche applications requiring specific performance characteristics beyond standard sack and bag grades.
• Formable Paper (FibreForm) 3D cold-formable paper that can be embossed up to ten times deeper than regular paper, enabling tactile packaging experiences, premium visual effects, and insulation properties.
• Liquid Packaging Board Board specifically designed for liquid food packaging applications, with the industry's lowest CO2 footprint and strong formability.
• Graphic and Label Papers Papers for printing, graphic design, and label applications, including coated sheets, web papers, inkjet papers, and label papers.
• Pulp Hardwood and softwood pulp sold to papermakers and industrial customers for papermaking and various industrial applications.
• CrownBoard Premium cartonboard brand made from fully recyclable primary fibers, available in Craft, Carry, Light, and Prestige variants for luxury and high-end packaging.
• Xpression E-Com Strong, sustainable paper mailing bags for e-commerce, produced 97% fossil-free with proven ISTA test performance; over 300 million bags shipped annually.
• Xpression E-Com AutoPack E-commerce paper specifically designed for automated packaging machines (e.g., Sitma), offering excellent strength at 80-120 gsm and up to 30% paper savings.
• Xpression Wrap Strong kraft paper for replacing plastic shrink film in beverage can wrapping, compatible with KHS packaging machines and offering up to 30,000 EUR/year in energy savings.
• Xpression Tough Strongest kraft paper from Billerud, designed for carrier bags guaranteed to hold at least 11 kg and tested to carry 17 kg and above.
• Billerud Axello ZAP Strong, resilient paper engineered for vertical form fill and seal (VFFS) machines (Syntegon ZAP-Module), enabling sealed paper packaging such as pasta bags.
• Pure White 100% primary fiber cartonboard with high whiteness for food-safe, attractive packaging applications such as luxury gift packs.
• True Performance Testing Scientific testing methodology that goes beyond traditional Box Compression Test (BCT) to assess packaging performance over time, humidity, and temperature, enabling up to 40% material savings.
• BoxLab Knowledge center staffed by packaging engineers and scientists providing expert advice, testing, and packaging optimization services for containerboard customers.
• Cartonboard Development Team Custom packaging design and development service with over 3,000 projects completed, offering lightweighting up to 39% and Rapid Design Workshops for cartonboard customers.
• Packaging Performance Services Comprehensive services including packaging optimization, design, material testing, and technical advice to improve packaging performance and reduce costs.
• Smarter Packaging Services Services for new or improved packaging including knowledge sharing, packaging optimization, and packaging innovation across industries.
• QuickFill Plus Xcel Sack paper grade designed for faster and more efficient filling with reduced dust and breakages, supporting both higher productivity and lower environmental impact in industrial sack applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 40% material savings through True Performance packaging optimization
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Syntegon TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development partnership with machine producer to develop sealed paper packaging solutions. Combined Billerud Axello ZAP paper with ZAP-Module from Syntegon enabling VFFS machines to run paper instead of plastic for pasta packaging applications.
• Sitma MachinerycoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for Xpression E-Com AutoPack development. Sitma validated the paper for use in automated e-commerce packaging machines, ensuring compatibility and performance in high-speed automated lines.
• KHScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquipment manufacturer partnership for Xpression Wrap paper wrapping technology. KHS developed paper wrapping module (FullyEnclosed FilmPack-based) that replaces plastic shrink film tunnel. KHS tests and approves Xpression Wrap for their machines.
• RISE (Swedish Research Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership for life cycle assessments (LCA), tensile creep testing methodology development, and simulated stress testing. RISE performs independent LCA studies and testing protocols for Billerud packaging solutions.
• Innovaciones SubbeticacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPackaging converter based in Córdoba, Spain. Converts Xpression E-Com paper into e-commerce bags for Packoplock distribution network across Nordic markets.
• TingstadcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorE-commerce specialist and packaging distributor in Sweden. Partnered with Billerud and Jonsac to help Ridestore switch from plastic to paper packaging. Provides conversion expertise and market knowledge for Swedish e-commerce sector.
• JonsaccoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExperienced converter and part of Tingstad Group. Responsible for technical development and production of paper sleeves and e-commerce bags using Billerud Xpression paper materials for Ridestore case.
• GrowminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrand and design agency partnership for Atria Lönneberga chicken packaging project. Supported Atria in developing FibreForm tray packaging that aligns with brand sustainability positioning and consumer megatrends.
• packit!coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorConverter based in Austria responsible for developing and producing the 100% corrugated board Ketel One gift pack using BillerudKorsnäs Pure White material.
• PACKZminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic packaging consultant based in Netherlands. Part of Nolet Distillery project team that developed sustainable gift pack solution for Ketel One Vodka.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Klabin: Brazil's largest integrated paper and packaging producer with significant kraft paper, containerboard, and corrugated operations in South America. Comparable product portfolio to Billerud but focused on Latin American markets rather than competing directly in NA or Europe.

Direct peers

• UPM-Kymmene: Finnish integrated forest products group with significant European operations in label papers, graphic papers, and specialty packaging. Comparable to Billerud in graphic/label papers and specialty kraft applications; significant Finnish and Nordic overlap.
• Sappi Limited: Global producer of coated graphic papers, dissolving pulp, and packaging board with strong European and North American operations. Direct competitor to Billerud in cartonboard and specialty paperboard grades.
• Mondi Group: European-headquartered integrated paper and packaging group with strong presence in containerboard, kraft paper, sack paper, and flexible packaging. Closely comparable in product portfolio (kraft paper, sack paper, containerboard) and European sustainability positioning.
• Smurfit Westrock: World's largest containerboard and corrugated packaging producer following the 2024 Smurfit Kappa / WestRock merger. Direct competitor to Billerud in containerboard, kraft paper, and paper-based packaging across North America, Europe, and Latin America.
• Stora Enso: Nordic integrated forest products company producing packaging board, containerboard, kraft paper, and pulp across Europe. Direct overlap with Billerud in virgin-fiber cartonboard, containerboard, and sack paper, with shared Nordic raw material base.
• International Paper: One of the largest global producers of containerboard, corrugated packaging, and pulp with significant North American manufacturing footprint. Direct competitor to Billerud Americas in containerboard and corrugated materials.
• Graphic Packaging Holding Company: US-headquartered producer of folding cartons and paperboard packaging serving food, beverage, and consumer goods customers. Comparable to Billerud in cartonboard and food/beverage end markets, particularly in North America.
• Mayr-Melnhof Karton: Austrian-based European leader in recycled and virgin fiber cartonboard production. Comparable to Billerud in folding boxboard, particularly for food, cosmetics, and consumer goods packaging across Europe.
• Packaging Corporation of America: Large US-focused containerboard and corrugated packaging producer. Direct North American competitor to Billerud Americas' containerboard operations (Escanaba, Quinnesec, Wisconsin Rapids mills).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/billerudab
• Facebookfacebook.com/billerud
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/billerud
• Instagraminstagram.com/billerudna

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Billerud Americas Corporation