{"id":3878,"date":"2024-11-19T03:34:53","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T08:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=3878"},"modified":"2024-11-19T03:34:53","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T08:34:53","slug":"metsa-board-invests-64m-in-simpele-mill-modernisation-in-finland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=3878","title":{"rendered":"Mets\u00e4 Board invests $64m in Simpele mill modernisation in Finland"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n \n <\/picture>
The investment aims to enhance product quality and efficiency, as well as reduce the carbon footprint. Credit: Mets\u00e4 Board.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Finnish packaging company Mets\u00e4 Board is moving forward with a \u20ac60m ($64m) investment to upgrade its Simpele folding boxboard mill in the second half of 2025.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The investment will include upgrades to the pre-drying section and a new, cutting-edge coating section on the production line.<\/p>\n

It is aimed to improve product quality and production efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint.<\/p>\n

This modernisation is part of a broader investment programme planned for the Simpele mill, which may also include upgrades to mechanical pulp production, the paperboard finishing area, and a new power plant, although investment decisions for these have not yet been made.<\/p>\n

In June, the company announced the installation of a renewed folding boxboard machine<\/a> in late 2025 at the mill under the investment programme, adding approximately 10,000t to the mill\u2019s current output of roughly 300,000t. \u00a0<\/p>\n

These enhancements are expected to elevate the print quality and visual consistency of the Mets\u00e4Board Classic FBB.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the modernisation will facilitate a shift towards fossil-free alternatives in the paperboard production process.<\/p>\n

Mets\u00e4 Board development senior vice-president Markku Leskel\u00e4 said: \u201cThis project marks an important milestone in our shift toward fossil-free paperboard production at the Simpele mill and is in full alignment with Mets\u00e4 Board\u2019s goal of achieving fossil-free production across all mills by the end of 2030.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe mill upgrade will also further solidify our leading position in the food and pharmaceutical segments, offering customers a product with an even higher print quality, better visual uniformity, and a reduced carbon footprint.\u201d<\/p>\n

The modernisation project, announced last April<\/a>, is progressing on schedule, with technology purchases mostly finalised by June and detailed planning with equipment suppliers underway.<\/p>\n

The building permit was granted earlier this year, and construction at the mill has commenced.<\/p>\n

Most of the work, including the installation of the new sections, will occur during a planned maintenance shutdown in September 2025.<\/p>\n

Mets\u00e4 Board is working closely with its customers to ensure uninterrupted service and consistent product availability throughout the modernisation process.<\/p>\n

The upgraded Simpele mill is slated to commence operations in Q4 2025.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n