Toni Tahvanainen, VP Metsä Board Simpele mill, says that the modernisation will improve the surface quality and printability of the MetsäBoard Classic FBB folding boxboard – both key characteristics when it comes to more challenging end-use segments such as food and pharmaceutical packaging, where quality requirements are constantly tightening.
"This investment will help us stay ahead in the tough international competition for premium end-uses," Tahvanainen outlines.
The investment is worth approximately EUR 60 million.
Installation in autumn 2025
The technology for the renewal of the board machine was purchased in June. The installation is scheduled to take place during the mill’s maintenance shutdown in autumn 2025.
"The shutdown will last about a month, during which we will complete the installation of the new pre-drying and the coating section," says Tahvanainen. The renewed board machine is expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Increasing folding boxboard capacity
The current annual production capacity in Simpele is around 300 000 tonnes. The modernisation will increase the tonnage quite modestly: production capacity will increase by about 10 000 tonnes.
Tahvanainen points out that this modernisation is carried out with quality in mind, but of course the increased capacity is also welcome. The increase in volume will be achieved by improving runnability.
A step towards fossil free production
The investment programme will also enable the replacement of fossil fuels in paperboard production, supporting Metsä Board's target of fossil free production at all mills by the end of 2030.
"Currently, we use LPG for drying the coating and also in sheet packing. The renewal will replace this with drying systems powered by fossil free electricity," says Tahvanainen.
The investment programme to continue
The renewal of the board machine is the first phase of the mill’s investment programme. The planned programme also includes renewals in the mechanical pulp production, in the finishing area as well as a new power plant.
"No investment decisions have yet been made on these, but pre-engineering work has already started," says Tahvanainen.