The Navigator Company will be present at Interpack 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for packaging and processing in Europe, taking place from 7 to 13 May 2026 at Messe Düsseldorf in Germany. At the event, the company will showcase the continued expansion of its innovative gKRAFT™ sustainable packaging portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and to accelerating the transition from plastic to fibre-based solutions.
From advanced low‑grammage kraft papers to innovative moulded fibre applications, gKRAFT™ demonstrates how Navigator is combining state of the art industrial technology and sustainability to address the evolving needs of the global packaging market. Suitable for segments such as form-fill packaging, food and non-food wrappers and pouches, release liners, consumer and shopping bags, as well as box applications, among other uses, gKRAFT™ takes advantage of the specific molecular structure and morphology of Eucalyptus globulus fibres to deliver resistant and sustainable solutions. This enables the use of lighter weights while delivering suitable strength. Made from 100% virgin fibres, it is also a safer and healthier option for applications that require contact with food and skin.
Navigator’s presence at Interpack also reflects the reinforcement of its industrial capacity in packaging papers, following the reconversion of the PM3 paper machine at its Setúbal integrated Pulp, Paper and Packaging industrial complex, which is scheduled to start operations in October. The unit will enable the production of approximately 100,000 tonnes per year of low‑grammage kraft papers, ranging from 30 to 90 g/m², dedicated to flexible packaging applications, meeting the growing demand for sustainable solutions across both food and non-food segments, in line with the trend toward natural, renewable, and biodegradable alternatives.
The new PM3 will become one of the largest and most competitive machines in Europe to produce low-basis-weight packaging papers, and the largest in Southern Europe, positioning Navigator as the fourth-largest producer in this market. The total investment amounts to €30 million and production costs will benefit from Navigator’s integrated pulp supply and significantly lower wood consumption than competitors, ranging between 2.35 and 2.85 cubic meters of wood per ton of pulp, compared to the typical 5.0 to 5.5 cubic meters for European pine fiber, for example.
PM3 is a Valmet machine, with a sheet width of 4.55 meters and a speed of 1,160 meters per minute. It was installed in 1990 and has undergone successive upgrades in 1997, 2003, 2007, and 2018.
Interpack’s visitors will also be able to discover the latest Moulded Fibre product range – gKRAFT™ BioShield, from eco-friendly raw protein and ready‑meal trays using up to 90% less plastic, to a new generation of high performance PFAS‑free disposable tableware and takeaway. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a first-hand preview of upcoming gKRAFT™ BioShield innovations, such as home compostable coffee capsules, engineered for outstanding performance and full PPWR compliance.
gKRAFT™ reinforces Navigator’s commitment to help accelerate the transition from plastic to natural, sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable fibres, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the environment – “From Fossil to Forest”.
“Participating in Interpack is a powerful opportunity to strengthen relationships with our customers and connect with new partners, while showcasing our truly sustainable packaging portfolio,” says Catarina Novais, Marketing Director at The Navigator Company. “Our presence at this fair is key to reaffirming our commitment to the environment and innovation, now extended through the launch of our new moulded fibre solutions.”
Join us at Interpack at Hall 8A E14 and discover our gKRAFT™ solutions. Don’t miss our special stand activation, where participants can win exclusive gKRAFT™ gifts — we look forward to welcoming yo
