Success in global markets requires efficiency, reliability, and continuous improvement. Metsä Fibre’s bioproduct mill concept meets these demands by combining world-class production technology, resource-efficient operations, and the versatile utilisation of production side streams. The concept is a cornerstone of the company’s long-term competitiveness.
At the heart of the bioproduct mill concept is a highly efficient pulp mill, where renewable wood raw material is utilised as effectively as possible. In addition to pulp, different components of wood are used to produce a wide range of bioproducts and bioenergy, increasing the value of the entire value chain and improving resource efficiency.
"The bioproduct mill concept supports our strategy in many ways. It combines high operational performance, cost efficiency, and the effective utilisation of side streams. This is not just about a single mill, but about an operating model that we continuously develop to meet the evolving needs of customers and markets," says Timo Ahonen, SVP, Pulp production.
Kemi bioproduct mill leading the way
Metsä Fibre’s newest production facility, the Kemi bioproduct mill, is a concrete example of the bioproduct mill concept in practice. Since its start-up in 2023, the mill has become one of the world's leading facilities in environmental, energy, and material efficiency. It operates entirely without fossil fuels and generates significantly more renewable electricity than it consumes.
The Kemi bioproduct mill produces 1.5 million tonnes of pulp annually, alongside several other bioproducts. The mill’s electricity self-sufficiency rate is 250 per cent, with surplus electricity supplied to the national grid.
At the bioproduct mill, the aim is to find the best possible use for every part of the wood. In addition to pulp, production generates products such as tall oil, turpentine, bioenergy, sulphuric acid, product gas, ash, and lime, all of which are utilised either within the mill’s own processes or in further processing applications.
Competitiveness through efficiency and continuous development
In Metsä Fibre’s new strategy, the vision of the pulp business is to be the world’s most competitive supplier of softwood pulp. This objective is pursued through excellent cost efficiency, consistent quality, and high operational availability. The bioproduct mill concept provides a strong foundation for achieving these goals.
"Competitiveness is built above all on doing the basics exceptionally well every day. Modern mills, high product quality, and reliable deliveries are key factors that set us apart in the market. The bioproduct mill concept gives us an excellent starting point for achieving this", Ahonen says.
However, the development of the concept does not stop with current solutions. Metsä Fibre continuously explores new ways to increase the value generated from production side streams and to develop next-generation bioproduct solutions. At the same time, digitalisation, high-quality data, and the use of artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities to improve production performance.
Responding to global trends
The bioproduct mill concept also addresses several global megatrends. Population growth, urbanisation, climate change, biodiversity loss, and digitalisation are increasing the need for efficient resource use and renewable products. Metsä Fibre’s approach is based on maximising the value and utilisation of northern wood throughout the production chain.
"We believe that wood-based products, together with the bioproduct mill concept built around them, will play an important role in the industry of the future. We are developing the concept with a long-term perspective so that we can continue creating even greater value for our customers and for society in the years ahead", Ahonen concludes.
