Södra Cell, Norway, reports that its mill in Mörrum, Sweden, has begun production of "textile" pulp (dissolving pulp) from hardwoods. When in full operation, the company notes, the mill's annual production of textile pulp is expected to amount to 170 000 metric tons .
Södra made a decision to invest in the production of textile pulp in December 2010. The Group is anticipating strong market development for textile pulp as it is renewable and timber-based, and it will replace oil-based and cotton fibers. Since this decision was made, implementation of the investment and development of a new market organization for the new customer segment have been taking place in parallel.
"We are focusing on textile pulp as this is a growing market to which we can supply a certified, renewable forest raw material," says Gunilla Saltin, president of Södra Cell.
"For Södra Cell Mörrum, this is an important step in the reinforcement of the profitability and competitiveness of the mill," says Magnus Olsson, site manager for Södra Cell Mörrum.
Södra's executive committee has also made a decision in principle about an appropriation limit for production of textile pulp on a further pulp line at one of the company's pulp mills. A definitive decision on a second textile pulp line at Södra will be made later this year, the company said.
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