Finnish packaging company Metsä Board is moving forward with a €60m ($64m) investment to upgrade its Simpele folding boxboard mill in the second half of 2025.

The investment will include upgrades to the pre-drying section and a new, cutting-edge coating section on the production line.

It is aimed to improve product quality and production efficiency while reducing the carbon footprint.

This modernisation is part of a broader investment programme planned for the Simpele mill, which may also include upgrades to mechanical pulp production, the paperboard finishing area, and a new power plant, although investment decisions for these have not yet been made.

In June, the company announced the installation of a renewed folding boxboard machine in late 2025 at the mill under the investment programme, adding approximately 10,000t to the mill's current output of roughly 300,000t.  

These enhancements are expected to elevate the print quality and visual consistency of the MetsäBoard Classic FBB.

Additionally, the modernisation will facilitate a shift towards fossil-free alternatives in the paperboard production process.

Metsä Board development senior vice-president Markku Leskelä said: “This project marks an important milestone in our shift toward fossil-free paperboard production at the Simpele mill and is in full alignment with Metsä Board’s goal of achieving fossil-free production across all mills by the end of 2030.

“The mill upgrade will also further solidify our leading position in the food and pharmaceutical segments, offering customers a product with an even higher print quality, better visual uniformity, and a reduced carbon footprint."

The modernisation project, announced last April, is progressing on schedule, with technology purchases mostly finalised by June and detailed planning with equipment suppliers underway.

The building permit was granted earlier this year, and construction at the mill has commenced.

Most of the work, including the installation of the new sections, will occur during a planned maintenance shutdown in September 2025.

Metsä Board is working closely with its customers to ensure uninterrupted service and consistent product availability throughout the modernisation process.

The upgraded Simpele mill is slated to commence operations in Q4 2025.