Finland Times

Bioreal Bioref CEO Heikki Nivala. File Photo Lehtikuva.

Chinese firm Camce and Finnish company Boreal Bioref have signed an agreement to build a bio-refinery in Kemijärvi.

 

“Camce has just become the majority owner of more than 50 per cent of shares,” said Bioreal Bioref CEO Heikki Nivala.

 

The investment decision will be made by the end of next year, and production could start in 2020.

 

The bio-refinery’s supply pulp will be delivered to China, where there is a shortage of paper and paperboard production is increasing.

 

“Camce operates in an area where the demand for bio-based raw materials including pulp will grow significantly, and it gives the investment a strong financial base and access to products in growing markets,” Nivala pointed out.

 

The refinery is expected to produce 200,000 tonnes of long-fibre softwood pulp a year. The dissolving pulp capacity is 135,000 tonnes, and the microcrystalline pulp capacity is 30,000 tonnes per year. In addition, the factory would produce, among other things, energy and sugar.

 

“There is a common perception that the investment should be economically viable, and the bio-refinery economic activity is market-based and transparent, and the environmental impact assessment is in accordance with Finnish and EU criteria. Also, the equipment and production comply with the best available technology requirements needed for that purpose,” Nivala said.

 

According to Nivala, the project is still seeking other partners.