Montes del Plata, the joint operation between Stora Enso and Arauco in Uruguay, has fully transitioned to talc-free eucalyptus pulp production, replacing the mineral with an organic additive to control resin deposits.
The transition has been in place since spring 2026, according to an update published by Stora Enso on August 20. The company attributes the change to evolving customer expectations and increased regulatory scrutiny of talc.
An alternative for pitch control
Eucalyptus contains natural resins that can accumulate as deposits, known as pitch, during pulp production. Talc has traditionally been used to help control these deposits.
Stora Enso and Arauco began evaluating alternatives in 2023. Following laboratory testing in 2024, they selected an organic pitch-control additive. Industrial trials and process adjustments followed before the transition was completed.
According to Stora Enso, the replacement additive meets relevant food-contact requirements and recommendations, including FDA requirements and recommendations from Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).
Customer response
Carolina Lima, vice-president of Stora Enso’s eucalyptus segment, said customers have responded positively to the removal of talc. She also described the resulting pulp as cleaner.
The update does not identify the replacement additive or provide comparative data on product purity or operating performance.
Montes del Plata supplies eucalyptus pulp to global markets.
