Metsa Group has entered into an extensive cooperation with international technology group Andritz to conduct a pre-study for the first possible commercial mill producing the Kuura textile fibre.

This new type of textile fibre, developed by Metsa Group’s innovation company Metsa Spring, is made from Finnish wood.

The primary objectives of this collaboration are to develop a pulp pre-treatment method, smart ways to integrate textile fibre production into the various departments of a bioproduct mill, and automation for Kuura production, the company said in a press release.

The pre-study is the first planning stage for a potential commercial mill project to process softwood pulp into a new type of man-made cellulosic fibre (MMCF). The Kuura concept produces a sustainable, high value-added product without the use of fossil fuels.

The Kuura fibre and its production process are currently being developed in a demo plant at Metsä Group’s Aanekoski site in Finland. Andritz supplied key process areas, including the fibreline, for the Aanekoski bioproduct mill, as well as some of the equipment for the demo plant.

“We’ve systematically developed the Kuura fibre to meet the growing demand for more sustainable textile fibres. The first Kuura mill would be constructed next to one of our modern bioproduct mills, which would allow us to use renewable energy generated at the neighbouring mill and take advantage of several closed cycles. In addition, all pulp, the main raw material for Kuura fibres, would come from nearby certified Finnish forests,” said Metsa Spring CEO Niklas von Weymarn.

“Sustainability is an essential part of our business strategy and corporate culture. ANDRITZ’s equipment and process portfolio are at the core of the cooperation with Metsa Group, which marks a significant step towards producing a new type of MMCF,” Kari Tuominen, president and CEO of Andritz Oy, said.

The pre-study is expected to take one year to complete, after which the mill planning can proceed to a more detailed pre-engineering stage. Once operational, the mill is anticipated to produce approximately 100,000 tonnes of Kuura fibre per year and employ about 250 people.