Metsä Board is set to embark on an exciting modernization journey at its Simpele mill in Finland. This ambitious project aims to boost operational efficiency while significantly reducing the carbon emissions linked to its production processes.
Investment and Renovations
The Simpele mill is renowned for its lightweight, high-quality MetsäBoard Classic FBB product. Beginning in the latter half of 2025, the facility will undergo substantial renovations to enhance its capabilities.
With an investment plan of around EUR 60 million, the upgrade will focus on revamping the pre-drying section and incorporating a state-of-the-art coating area in the production line. These improvements are designed to enhance print quality and ensure visual consistency for the MetsäBoard Classic FBB, aligning the mill’s operations with more sustainable, fossil-free practices within paperboard manufacturing.
Goals and Collaborations
Markku Leskelä, the Senior Vice President of Development at Metsä Board, emphasized that this initiative marks an important milestone toward achieving fossil-free production at the Simpele site. He pointed out that it is part of the company’s wider vision to achieve fossil-free operations across all facilities by the year 2030. The enhancements are expected to bolster Metsä Board’s competitiveness within the food and pharmaceutical sectors by delivering superior products characterized by improved print quality, enhanced visual uniformity, and reduced carbon emissions.
The modernization project, which was announced in April, is unfolding in carefully planned phases and is progressing smoothly, as confirmed by Metsä Board. Key elements, such as the installation of the new pre-drying and coating sections, are set to be finalized during a scheduled maintenance shutdown in September.
Future Plans for the Mill
In order to maintain consistent service and product availability throughout these upgrades, the company is actively collaborating with its customers, ensuring that planning is meticulous and efficient. The overhauled Simpele mill is projected to begin operations again in the fourth quarter of 2025.
These improvements to the board machine are only one component of a larger investment strategy for the Simpele mill. Proposed additional upgrades may include enhancements in mechanical pulp production, refinements in the paperboard finishing area, and plans for a new power plant; however, decisions on these aspects have not yet been made.
Source: Premiumbeautynews