The global pulp market is growing steadily owing to the booming Chinese demand for tissue and packaging board. In addition to pulp, the Metsä Group's new mill would also produce bio-energy, and create up to 2,500 new jobs.
The next-generation bio-product mill, to be operational by 2017, would be the largest ever investment in the forestry industry in Finland.
It would have a positive impact on the profitability of the forestry industry according to Timo Leskinen of the Forest Owners’ Association.
"This is especially important for coniferous pulpwood, for example, and would allow for the further use of felled trees,” says Leskinen. "It would also create more jobs in the southern and eastern parts of Finland."