Feldmuehle, the Uetersen-based paper mill with more than 120 years of history, will shut down permanently after determining that continued operation is no longer economically viable. The decision marks the end of an era for the company, which dates back to 1904 and has long been a producer of wet-strength label papers and flexible packaging papers with an annual capacity of around 80,000 tonnes.

Several media sources are reporting that sources close to the company described the announcement as a shock to employees, many of whom had not anticipated a complete shutdown. In its public statement, Feldmuehle was sharply critical of Germany’s energy landscape, noting that conditions had made it increasingly difficult for energy-intensive industries to survive. “It seems that there is no desire for energy-intensive industry to remain in Germany,” the mill stated.

Feldmuehle emphasized that the closure comes despite years of effort and investment. “In recent years, our company has made high-quality, capital-intensive investments in sustainability and energy efficiency. We have optimised and modernised processes, committed ourselves to training the next generation, developed new products and reduced our costs – all in a highly competitive environment.”

Paper production has already ceased. The mill will complete finishing operations and sell off its remaining inventory in the coming weeks. The company’s closure highlights the mounting challenges facing Europe’s energy-dependent paper sector, where rising costs and structural competition continue to pressure long-standing mills.