Resource efficiency
Focus on developing the energy efficiency
As an energy-intensive tissue paper industry, a critical part of cutting emissions per produced paper ton is to use energy efficiently. In tissue paper making, we are, e.g. focusing on drying hood development and removal of the water from the paper sheet using the latest technologies.
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-25
%
Target 2030: Energy use from 2018 level
To improve our energy and water efficiency, we have launched the Fresh Fibre Transformation project as part of our strategy and the Future Mill Programme. The first two steps have already been taken in Žilina in 2023 and Kreuzau in 2024, enhancing our energy and water efficiency.
As part of our efforts to improve our mills' energy and production efficiency, we are exploring the best available technologies (BAT) to improve energy efficiency, among other things. We aim to drive world-class environmental performance in tissue production. The energy roadmap for Metsä Tissue mills is prepared for 2022-2030.
Decreasing process water usage
Water is an important resource for us, and we strive to reduce the amount of process water used in m3 per paper ton. Water circulates in the process numerous times, and it is carefully purified before being released as an effluent.
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-35
%
Target 2030: Reduction in process water use from 2018 level
Metsä Tissue strengthens its fresh fibre strategy with significant investments in Mänttä mill. Company will focus on manufacturing fresh fibre-based tissue papers and modernising water circulation systems. As part of the Future Mill strategic programme, a new hand towel line is set to be operational on 2026. These changes aim to reduce water consumption by 75-80% and improve energy efficiency by 25% compared to 2025.
Learn more about the future plans for the Mänttä mill here.
Towards zero landfill – 100% side-stream utilisation by 2030
We aim to utilise 100% of production side-streams by 2030, ensuring that no production waste ends in landfills.
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0
kt
Target 2030: Zero waste to landfill
Performance
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| Zero waste to landfill kt | 0.04 | 0.1 | 0.13 | 0.6 | 7.9 | 10.1 | 10.7 |
The largest by-products from our processes, such as de-inking sludge and mechanical separation rejects, primarily derived from purifying the recycled fibres, are already being repurposed. These side-streams are utilised for example in brick manufacturing, road construction, energy generation, and refuse-derived fuel production, all in accordance with local regulations and environmental standards.
Ash produced from bio-boilers is another example of efficient reuse. It is employed in the cement industry to help reduce CO₂ emissions or as a landscaping and construction material in landfill reclamation projects.
Currently, only about 1% of our total production waste is sent to landfills. This figure continues to decrease, supported by our strategic shift towards fresh fibre approach, which reduces the share of recycled fibre input and thus the associated waste.
We are committed to transforming even this remaining fraction into a side-stream before 2030, moving us closer to becoming a zero-landfill production company.
Avoiding landfills is crucial because it contributes to the release of methane (CH₄), a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than CO₂. Preventing landfill use wherever possible is a key part of our climate strategy and environmental responsibility.