Folding Boxboard paper factory in Eerbeek to cease production

Paper production at the Folding Boxboard factory in Eerbeek has officially ceased following the failure of a planned restart. The bankruptcy curator announced that there is no longer any prospect for continuing paper production at the site.

Attempts to revive the company through an acquisition by two entrepreneurs collapsed after the agreed purchase price was not paid within the required timeframe. Consequently, the curator dissolved the purchase agreement and held the buyers liable for damages. Subsequent efforts to find an alternative buyer for the paper-making operations have also been unsuccessful.

The closure marks a significant blow to Eerbeek, a town historically known as a ‘paper village’. This event follows the recent bankruptcy of Coldenhove in May and the closure of De Hoop three years ago. While the paper production is ending, negotiations regarding a potential takeover of the physical location itself are expected to continue next week.

Labor unions, including CNV, have attributed the decline of the local paper and cardboard industry to rising energy costs and increased international competition.