Foreword: Cooperation is key

We live with the cyclical nature of the business which places buyers and suppliers under pressure at different times. After a tough few months from our side during the latter half of 2024, pulp supply is tightening once again, and equilibrium is returning to the market. How much the price gap between hardwood and softwood pulp closes remains to be seen. Cooperating at every stage of the cycle always helps, and we very much appreciate the close relationships, communication and loyalty we have with our customers.

At a macro level, geopolitical uncertainty and conflicts continue, including on Europe’s border.  Wood and other input costs remain high, and resource efficiency is on everyone’s minds. This is set against the ongoing challenge of climate mitigation. We work every day to minimise our footprint and comply with ever-changing regulations, taking a proactive approach wherever possible. An example here is eliminating talc from our production process in response to increasing concerns from the EU surrounding talc. We aren’t waiting for a definitive ruling but moving ahead where we see possibilities.  

Cooperation can really make a difference as we all work towards net-zero goals and more sustainable solutions for the planet. With that in mind I’m delighted to report that we’ve completed our full-scale trials of SPIRA and that it has met our expectations. This new grade combines agricultural waste with cellulose pulp from Värö. It’s the result of a focus on greater resource and energy efficiency and circular solutions in line with the transition to a green economy. We’ll be inviting customers to trial this new stand-alone product soon.

Conscious delivery is another example where working together can lead to tangible solutions. We have a major customer already using the concept for fossil-free deliveries and a few more ready to start trials in the UK where we have mass-balance route options with Wagenborg. 

Everyone agrees that joining forces to communicate the industry’s green credentials to the consumer is needed but it’s not yet a reality. We want to change that. Look out for our new campaign coming soon and if you like the idea of using our story to help tell yours, get in touch.

Finally, our next customer survey will be conducted this Spring. It’s the ideal opportunity to tell us what you think, but don’t wait until then if you have an idea for pooling our resources. From technical issues and logistic solutions to communication and innovation, we have experts who would love to hear from you.

Jens Hallendorff, Head of Sales Paper Pulp Global