Stora Enso strengthens its focus on specialised pulp grades by investing EUR 19 million in fluff pulp production increase at its Skutskär production unit in Sweden. This investment will cater to the growing consumer demand for hygiene products. As a result of the ongoing change negotiations, the company has also decided to permanently close softwood pulp production on fiberline 3 (L3).
The investment in fluff pulp production increase at Skutskär will strengthen Stora Enso’s position as the leading fluff pulp producer in Europe. The upgrades will further enhance production stability and efficiency, improve quality, enable future fiber blends, and increase fluff production capacity by approximately 10%. The investment is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2027 and falls within Stora Enso’s capital expenditure guidance.
“This is an important step for Stora Enso. Fluff pulp usage is growing, based on aging population across the globe and increased usage of hygiene products and with demand expected to outgrow supply over time. In line with our strategy, we are shaping our business for accelerated growth and value creation by serving demanding customers,” says Johanna Hagelberg, Executive Vice President, Biomaterials Business Area at Stora Enso.
As previously stated, the now decided closure of soft wood pulp fiberline 3 (L3) means that production will stop during Q3 2026, subject to fulfillment of customer orders.
“Market conditions did not support a viable path for the future of L3. This investment sharpens our focus on fluff and the work to restructure the organisation accordingly continues. We are positioning Skutskär strategically for long-term competitiveness in the expanding fluff market,” says Timo Tidenberg, Head of Stora Enso’s Business Unit Skutskär.
After the capacity increase, Stora Enso’s Skutskär site will have an annual capacity of 440 000 tons of fluff pulp.