Pulp Matters 1/2022

João Cordeiro

Tomi Amberla

DROP IN PRINT MEDIA NOT SIGNIFICANT Cordeiro and Amberla see challenges too. For instance, the digitalization of media continues to impact pulp sales, but, as it turns out, the growth in other sectors such as hygiene and tissue and packaging has more than offset the drop. “Now we have a solid foundation to launch new pulp mills,” Amberla says. Amberla talks about the new powerful trend in packag ing where plastic is replaced by fibre-based materials. “There are new fibre-based alternatives being developed for brand owners who want to improve their image by pursuing sustainable packaging,” he says. Cordeiro gives an example: in American schools students’ lunch boxes are made of plastic – but now school boards want to make them fibre-based. “Here’s where virgin fibre is really needed – whenever you have fibre that is in contact with food or needs to look polished, it must be fresh fibre,” he adds.

is at the centre of the so-called bioeconomy. “Pulp mills are turning into biorefineries with new solutions for pulp itself and the various side streams from production,” Cordeiro says. Amberla views pulp production as “an anchor” for an entire ecosystem. While pulp operations form the core, new startups can come in and work on their innovations involving e.g. lignin or nanocellulose. “This way, with an entrepreneurial mindset, it’s possible to make sustainable textile fibres for the fashion industry, for instance.” NEXT STEPS FOR MILLS Looking ahead, the AFRY experts are intrigued by the rise of closed water systems in pulp mills. Cordeiro points out that it is possible to introduce very little fresh water from a local body of water to the process – and instead recycle the water already in the system repeatedly. “These solutions are still in their infancy, but they are coming,” he concludes.

BOOSTING THE BIOECONOMY Cordeiro and Amberla are also of the opinion that pulp

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