Södra Produces 500,000 Metric Tons of Dissolving Pulp

As of mid-May, 2016, Södra, Sweden, reported that it had produced 500,000 metric tons of dissolving pulp at its pulp mill in Mörrum, Sweden. Production started in December 2011 and has increased steadily since then. 

"Demand for dissolving pulp for textile purposes is increasing globally," said Magnus Björkman, marketing and sales director at Södra Cell. "Demand is being driven by population growth and rising prosperity along with a shift toward textiles that offer a more sustainable alternative."

Wood can be used in many areas and in the production of numerous products. Fiber is the main component and is thus ideal for production on an industrial scale, Södra explained. 

"Södra made the strategic decision in 2011 to invest in an additional strong fiber product through the production of dissolving pulp," said Annica Larsson Ahlstedt, development manager at Södra Cell Mörrum. "We have two production lines at Mörrum—one for dissolving pulp and one for paper pulp—which provides us with ample room to grow in the future."

Replacing synthetic, oil-based fiber with fiber from forest raw material can significantly reduce the greenhouse gas effect. Substantial environmental gains can also be achieved by using forest-based textile fibers instead of cotton, Södra noted.

Södra’s dissolving pulp is entirely traceable to certified, sustainable forestry operations. But quality is also crucial, the company emphasized. "Dissolving pulp from Södra maintains a high standard of quality and is a certified sustainable product," said Björkman. "This combination is important to customers." 

Following the company’s recent decision to invest SEK 1 billion in Södra Cell Mörrum, its production of dissolving pulp is expected to increase even further beginning in 2018.