Metsä 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 fiber. This new type of textile fiber, developed by Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä 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 fiber production into the various departments of a bioproduct mill, and automation for Kuura production. 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 fiber (MMCF). The Kuura concept produces a sustainable, high value-added product without the use of fossil fuels.

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, will increase prices by 5 to 15 percent on all paper and process product lines across the EMEA region, effective immediately or as customer contracts allow. The price increase is necessary due to the tightening of raw material supplies globally and escalating energy, packaging and transportation costs.

Label and Graphic Materials - Reported sales increased 25% to $1.4 billion. Compared to prior year, sales were up 17% ex. currency (up 11% vs. 2019) and up 16% on an organic basis (up 11% vs. 2019). *Label and Packaging Materials sales were up approximately 12% from prior year on an organic basis, with strong growth in both the high value product categories and the base business. *Sales increased by approximately 49% organically in the combined Graphics and Reflective Solutions businesses. *On an organic basis, sales were up high-single digits in North America, up mid-teens in Western Europe, and up approximately 20% in emerging markets. Retail Branding and Information Solutions - Reported sales increased 80% to $529 million. Compared to prior year, sales were up 73% ex. currency (up 25% vs. 2019) and up 72% on an organic basis (up 14% vs. 2019), reflecting strong growth in both the high value categories and the base business. *Intelligent Labels was up approximately 65% organically. Industrial and Healthcare Materials - Reported sales increased 49% to $197 million. Compared to prior year, sales were up 39% ex. currency (up 11% vs. 2019) and up 33% on an organic basis (up 6% vs. 2019), reflecting an approximately 60% increase in industrial categories and a high-single digit decline in healthcare categories.