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Finnpulp is planning the largest softwood pulp investment in the world

31.3.2017

Finnpulp is planning to realize the world’s largest softwood pulp mill investment in Kuopio, Finland. The total amount of the investment is 1.4 billion euros. The basis for all Finnpulp operations is to become the most efficient and modern producer of softwood pulp in the world. Producing market pulp, the mill is scheduled to start operation by the end of 2019.

The new Finnpulp mill will be the most efficient and ecologically sound pulp mill in the industry. In addition to pulp production, the modern technology will enable versatile bioproduction. Thus, the mill is going to be a significant producer of biochemicals and bioelectricity. The company’s production will equal 5 per cent of the world’s softwood pulp market in 2021.

In its operations, Finnpulp makes use of the growing global demand for Finnish long-fibre softwood pulp. The demand is further increased by the growing demand for softwood pulp for tissue and packaging board production. Finnpulp’s location in Kuopio is optimal in terms of the availability of softwood used in the mill’s production. The mill will be surrounded by the most significant forest resources in Finland.

Finnpulp is the largest individual mill investment in forest industry ever in Finland. Automated, efficient and carbon neutral production technology represents a new generation in the global pulp industry.

In addition to pulp production, growth in other bio-based products

It is expected that the pulp market will grow alongside with the global rise in living standards. Until the year 2025, the demand for tissue paper and packaging board produced from softwood pulp is expected to increase annually approximately 3-4% due to the economic development in Asia, Africa and South America. The decrease in the amount of recycled paper will impact the availability of recycled fibre and increase the demand for new softwood pulp. Finnpulp will serve this growth.

In addition to softwood pulp, Finnpulp will produce bioelectricity 1 TWh per year to the national grid and also a significant amount of various biochemicals, such as tall oil and turpentine. These products are important in terms of Finnpulp’s business operations. The company’s management has an extensive experience of bio-based production in the international markets and this will bring Finnpulp’s bio-based product business and networks up to world-class levels.