Metsä Group starts up its major investment in Mariestad – Scandinavian tissue supply strengthens

Metsä Tissue commenced full-scale production at its expanded and modernized tissue mill in Mariestad, Sweden. The EUR 370 million project has doubled the mill’s annual tissue paper capacity to 145,000 tonnes, substantially reinforcing the regional supply of high-quality brands such as Lambi, Serla, and Katrin, serving both consumer and professional markets across Scandinavia.

This investment ranked among the most significant in Europe’s tissue industry and included the installation of a new paper machine together with three new converting lines. Thanks to increased production and upgraded technology, the renewed Mariestad mill enhances regional availability of tissue products, reduces import dependency, and strengthens the security of supply for essential hygiene needs.

The project delivers notable improvements across several key areas:

Boosted local production capacity
The new state-of-the-art tissue machine, complemented by three converting lines for rolled and folded products, increases efficiency and capacity to support Scandinavian consumer and professional segments. Expanded domestic production reduces transport distances, lowers related emissions, shortens delivery times, and improves supply reliability, helping mitigate global supply chain risks.

Strengthened local employment
Close to 100 new jobs have been created, reinforcing Metsä Tissue’s long-term commitment to the Swedish market and ensuring dedicated support for customers throughout Scandinavia.

Latest automation technology
A fully automated high-bay warehouse together with laser-guided automated vehicles improves the handling of finished goods and materials. These modern logistics systems increase delivery accuracy through streamlined processes and real-time inventory management.

Improved environmental performance
The advanced design of the new paper machine enhances energy efficiency and significantly reduces water consumption. This represents a major step forward in sustainable tissue production, lowering emissions per tonne produced.

High-quality fresh fibre products
The expansion emphasizes fresh fibre-based production, bringing the share of fresh fibre used across Metsä Tissue’s Swedish mills to 80 percent. Fresh wood fibre, known for its purity and performance, remains an ideal raw material for hygiene tissues. The new machinery further elevates product quality through advanced process technology.

“This project unites world-class technology with top-tier knowhow. We’re proud to lead the way in high-quality and resource-efficient tissue production. Leading local manufacturing plays a vital role in advancing the region’s self-sufficiency in essential hygiene tissues, under all circumstances,” said Sari Pajari-Sederholm, CEO of Metsä Tissue.