Stora Enso shifts Skutskär focus from NBSK to fluff pulp.
Stora Enso has concluded negotiations on the planned closure of a softwood pulp production line at its Skutskär mill in Sweden. Production on NBSK Line 3 (L3) is scheduled to cease in the third quarter of 2026, as previously announced, subject to the fulfilment of existing customer orders.
According to earlier company information, the affected production line has a capacity of 100,000 tpy of northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) pulp. Stora Enso announced the closure at the end of May, citing declining demand for softwood pulp in Europe since 2023, lower price levels and rising wood costs.
“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.
Fluff pulp capacity to increase by 10 per cent
At the same time, the group has announced a €19 million investment to expand fluff pulp production at the same site. The project is expected to increase capacity by around ten per cent, improve production stability and efficiency, enhance product quality and enable future fibre blend developments. The upgrade is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Following the expansion, Skutskär will have an annual fluff pulp production capacity of 440,000 tpy. The mill currently produces both fluff pulp and NBSK pulp and has a total pulp production capacity of 515,000 tpy.
“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.
