CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of Badger Paper Mills, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 333-01673) of our report dated May 17, 2001, on our audit of the financial statements and supplemental schedules of Badger Paper Mills Profit Sharing Plan and Trust for Union Employees as of and for the year ended December 31, 2000, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 11-K. /s/ Grant Thornton LLP Appleton, Wisconsin June 21, 2001 19