Research Team Exploring Ways to Enhance Tissue Paper Sustainability

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A Scandinavian research team has been assembled to look into ways of enhancing the environmental and economic sustainability of tissue paper production. Team member are from Metsä Tissue (Finland), Karlstad University (Sweden), Metso (Finland), and Södra (Sweden).

Kicking off last month, the three-year project has received a donation of 2.5 million Swedish crowns from the Swedish KK Foundation. Lars Warvne, SVP Technology and Operations, Metsä Tissue, which is a part of Metsäliitto Group, says that "this project is well in line with our strategic targets and today's way of working. Sustainability in all of our actions is an integral part of our business strategy. It is also an important criterion in our investment decisions. For years we have been minimizing the environmental impact of our products throughout their life cycle, from sourcing of raw materials to production and consumption right through to their disposal. We have been doing this in cooperation with our suppliers, customers, business partners, and consumers."

Jarkko Kaplin, VP Purchasing at Metsä Tissue, adds that "we believe the best results can be reached through networking and in this case through co-operation between the business and academic worlds. Christophe Barbier, senior lecturer and coordinator for the project at Karlstad University, points out that "Karlstad University has been conducting research in the field of tissue for 10 years. A research project focusing on sustainability carried out in co-operation with industrial partners strengthens our profile as a modern university."

Volume-wise, toilet paper and household towels are the most important consumer goods made of tissue paper. The project aims to decrease energy consumption in tissue manufacturing by optimizing its fiber properties and composition as well as the amount of fibers and water used in the process. "We are enthusiastic to have this opportunity to take part in such an important Project, working for the good of the environment, consumers, and businesses alike," Kaplin says.

The project committee consists of: Luciano Beghello, Karlstad University; Sverker Albertsson, Södra Innovation; Jarkko Kaplin, Metsä Tissue; Ingvar Klerelid, Metso; and Christophe Barbier, Karlstad University.