A New Chapter for US Papermaking at Eastover

A bold Sylvamo Valmet partnership aims to transform the Eastover mill into a high-efficiency, low-emissions model for modern paper production

24 May 2025

A major partnership is taking shape in South Carolina, where Sylvamo and Valmet are working together to modernize one of the country’s most important paper mills. Their collaboration centers on the Eastover facility, a cornerstone of U.S. paper production that is now poised for a technological and environmental overhaul.

At the heart of the project is a full rebuild of Paper Machine 2, a key system used to produce uncoated freesheet paper for printers, books, and business documents. The upgrade, scheduled for completion in late 2026, will introduce advanced equipment designed to improve sheet consistency while reducing defects and waste.

Valmet will also install sophisticated digital monitoring tools that track performance across the production line. These systems provide real time insights into energy use, resource consumption, and emissions, allowing operators to make faster and more precise adjustments on the factory floor.

The effort reflects more than a routine equipment upgrade. Industry observers see the partnership as a deliberate push to rethink how American mills operate in an era of tighter environmental expectations and aging infrastructure.

Valmet brings deep expertise in automation and environmental engineering, while Sylvamo contributes operational scale and a strong presence in global paper markets. Together, the companies aim to tackle persistent challenges such as reducing water and energy use while improving transparency for customers and regulators.

The project also signals a broader shift in industrial strategy. Instead of closing older facilities, companies are increasingly investing in modernizing them, keeping production and skilled jobs in the United States while preparing plants for future climate and reporting standards.

If the Eastover transformation delivers on its promise, it could ripple across the industry. Other mills may follow the same path, proving that sustainability and profitability can move forward together when technology and long term investment align.