SCA decided in 2015 to invest in an increased production capacity at the Östrand (Sweden) pulp mill – from 430,000 metric tpy to about 900,000 metric tpy of bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBSK). Following an extended maintenance stop, which began in April of this year, the expanded pulp mill is now in operation.   

 

 

Production capacity in the expanded pulp mill is expected to increase successively during 2018 and 2019. 2020 is therefore expected to be the first year with full production, corresponding to 900,000 metric tpy.   

"Just over 1,000 days after starting the project on Aug. 28, 2015, after a great effort from all involved to deliver the project according to the plan, the new plant is in operation," said Project Director Ingela Ekebro. "Our focus now is on calibrating the plant to quickly achieve full production and high product quality."

Ulf Larsson, president and CEO, noted that "we are in the process of completing one of the largest and most important industrial investments in Sweden. Östrand will be one of the most competitive and environmentally sound mills for northern bleached softwood kraft pulp in the world. The investment will help us to meet growing demand in a strong pulp market."  

The core of SCA's business is the forest, 2.6 million hectares in northern Sweden. Around this unique resource, the company has built a well-developed value chain based on renewable raw material from its own and others' forests. It offers paper for packaging and print, pulp, wood products, renewable energy, services for forest owners, and efficient transport solutions. In 2017, the forest products company SCA had approximately 4,000 employees and sales amounted to approximately SEK 16.7 billion.

SCA was founded in 1929 and has its headquarters in Sundsvall, Sweden. More information is available online.