Swedish pulp and paper manufacturer BillerudKorsnäs and the Norwegian forest owners' group Viken Skog have formed a joint venture to develop a pulp production line. Installed at Viken Skog's Treklyngen industrial site in Hønefoss, Norway, this new line would produce up to 200,000 tons per year of bleached chemithermomechanical pulp (BTCP).
"In particular, wood pulp can be used in the production of cardboard and tissue paper, a growing market. Both parties should be able to replace petroleum-based products." said Olav Breivik, chairman of the board of Viken Skog.
BillerudKorsnäs and Viken Skog will launch a feasibility study for this project. This study, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2023, will also examine the possibilities of biogas production and carbon capture solutions.
If the project is implemented, the investment on the part of BillerudKorsnäs is estimated to be between NOK 600-800 (or EUR 57-77 million).
"In order to cover the growing need for BTP for our growing paperboard business, we want to explore the possibilities of producing this grade of pulp in Follum in collaboration with Viken Skog. As part of this partnership, the intention is also to enter into a long-term wood supply agreement with Viken Skog. We initially see good prospects for creating an efficient supply chain and competitive access to the raw materials needed to produce the packaging materials of the future." said Christoph Michalski, CEO of BillerudKorsnäs.
Viken Skog's Treklyngen site is the former Norske Skog paper mill acquired by Viken Skog in 2012. The forestry group has retained and renovated the basic infrastructure and several buildings in order to install new industrial processes, mainly based on forest and wood-based raw materials. Currently, several projects are being developed at this site. In addition to the joint venture with BillerudKorsnäs, two biofuel plants are planned.
