Over the recent years KaiCell has evolved from a desktop study on how to utilise the Kainuu region’s wood surplus, into a viable industrial venture. We have been through a lengthy application and appeals process regarding the environmental permit required to build and operate the envisaged mill. Such a process is normal for projects of this magnitude. On 27.03.2024 the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland upheld the Vaasa Administrative Court’s decision rejecting all appeals filed against the permit. The lower court’s ruling thus stands, and our permit is duly ratified. This demonstrates that the carefully selected mill site in Paltamo is suitable, and that the mill concept meets today’s stringent environmental and social requirements.
The Paltamo site provides ample potential for future expansion, but also space and infrastructure benefits for those partner enterprises we hope will join us in making the mill a diverse bioproducts platform.
For our core product – softwood sulphate pulp – the mill’s location is excellent both from a national and a global perspective. A mill surrounded by forestland achieves economies in wood logistics and environmental loads. There are few locations in the world where northern softwood availability combines with such positive aspects of industrial, technological and well-established business climate as provided by Finland.
Working closely with the local community, we are keenly aware of the benefits the mill will give to the regional economy, and appreciate the value that public support adds to the venture.
Our KaiCell team is focused on refining the total venture concept, including business plan, mill design, basic engineering and commercial reach-outs. During the next stage, we expect to broaden the ownership and bring onboard shareholders strong enough to ensure that a commitment based on solid financing can be made to construct the mill.
The Covid pandemic hampered movement and business activities all over the world, but nevertheless global demand trends for pulp based bioproducts continue strong. This can only strengthen our confidence and resolve as we move forward to make the Paltamo mill a reality.
Hannu Heikkinen
CEO, KaiCell Fibers Oy/Ltd
