One of the world’s largest machines for the production of kraftliner has entered service for SCA in Obbola in Västerbotten, outside Umeå, eastern Sweden.
With a total investment of SEK 7.5 bn, this major project has been completed ahead of schedule and within budget, significantly increasing opportunities to produce packaging materials that replace plastic.
“At full capacity, the machine will increase capacity from 450,000 tonnes to 725,000 tonnes a year, enabling our renewable kraftliner to replace large amounts of plastic and improve the Obbola’s competitiveness on the global market,” says Gustaf Nygren, Director – Obbola Plant. “It’s an impressive machine and a special project that, despite global geopolitical uncertainty due to the pandemic, war and inflation, was completed faster than planned. It’s a tribute to the organisation of the project and all those involved.”When Obbola reaches full capacity, it is estimated that the machine will produce 725,000 tonnes of kraftliner a year. The path to full capacity requires a new recycled fibre processing unit, which will be housed in the old machine room and will be ready by the summer.“We then expect a period of adjustment and ramp-up with the aim of reaching full capacity in 2026. At that point, Obbola will be a highly efficient and competitive plant with a product that has the market’s lowest carbon footprint and will be of vital importance for the transition from oil-based packaging material,” says Nygren.
In addition to the kraftliner machine, the site’s other premises have also been upgraded with new office space and new skywalks that increase the safety of people at the plant.
