Metsä Group's tissue paper business is doubling down on its commitment to sustainability with a significant investment in the Mänttä mill.
The company is continuing its strategy to produce high-quality hygiene products using fresh fibres from Northern forests, a key component of its fresh fibre-based tissue paper production.
In line with the company’s Future Mill strategic programme and a previously announced €100 million investment in the Mänttä mill, Metsä Tissue is now focusing on enhancing its production capabilities. This includes modernising two tissue paper machines and improving water circulation systems to reduce water consumption by 75-80% and improve energy efficiency by 25%. The ongoing investment will also include a new hand towel line, set to be operational in 2026, specifically for fresh fibre-based hand towel papers.
Joonas Kukkonen, SVP for Finland and the Baltics at Metsä Tissue, explained, "We reinforce our focus on fresh fibre-based, locally produced hygiene products, with raw materials sourced from Northern forests. The renewal of the hand towel line is already part of this investment, and now we are continuing our strategy by upgrading the mill's equipment. These modernisations will help us meet our 2030 sustainability targets for fossil-free mills while significantly reducing water usage."
As part of this shift, Metsä Tissue will cease recycled fibre production at the Mänttä mill and shut down one of its tissue paper machines at the end of its life cycle. This decision will result in a reorganisation of operations, and the company will begin change negotiations at the mill. These changes could impact up to 35 jobs, though five new positions will be created at the same time. A total of 331 employees are part of the planned changes, excluding those in the greaseproof paper business at the mill.
The Mänttä mill, which produces well-known brands such as Serla, Lambi, Katrin, and SAGA, currently operates three tissue paper machines, one greaseproof paper machine, and ten tissue converting lines. This latest investment underscores Metsä Tissue’s ongoing commitment to both sustainability and high-quality local production.
