Stora Enso increases Skutskär fluff pulp capacity and to close softwood line L3
- EUR 19 million investment announced to boost fluff pulp production at Skutskär.
- Fluff capacity to rise by approximately 10%, taking annual capacity to 440,000 tonnes.
- Investment completion expected in Q4 2027 and falls within the company’s capex guidance.
- Softwood pulp fiberline 3 (L3) will be permanently closed, with production stopping during Q3 2026 subject to fulfillment of customer orders.
Project overview
Stora Enso will invest EUR 19 million to upgrade fluff pulp production at its Skutskär unit in Sweden. The upgrades are intended to improve production stability, efficiency and quality, enable future fiber blends and increase fluff output by about 10%.
Capacity and timing
Following the capacity increase, Skutskär’s annual fluff pulp capacity will be 440,000 tonnes. The investment is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2027 and is included within the company’s capital expenditure guidance.
Strategic rationale
The company cites growing consumer demand for hygiene products and an ageing population driving long-term fluff pulp demand that is expected to outgrow supply. The move aligns Skutskär’s production toward specialised pulp grades and aims to strengthen its position in the European fluff market.
Closure of L3 and organisational changes
As a result of change negotiations, Stora Enso will permanently close softwood pulp production on fiberline 3 (L3); production on L3 will stop during Q3 2026, subject to fulfillment of customer orders. The company says organisational restructuring will continue to position the site for the fluff-focused strategy.
Source: Stora Enso
