Stora Enso’s former Veitsiluoto plant in Kemi, Lapland, will be revived in 2021 after the plant is closed.
Infinited Fiber, which treats textile waste, has announced that it will invest around € 400 million in converting an old paper mill into a textile fiber plant.
The company’s recycled fiber technology converts cellulosic materials, such as used cotton clothing, into recycled fibers that are biodegradable and free of microplastics. Textiles made from recycled material can be recycled in the same way as cotton textile waste.
"There is no need to grow anything new when we take advantage of what is already on the move. Our technology can make textiles that go to waste, which would otherwise end up in landfills or be incinerated, really valuable," company website reads.
Infinited Fiber’s customers include well-known global fashion companies such as Adidas, Patagonia and Tommy Hilfiger.
"The Veitsiluoto area has many strengths to support future business, especially due to its seafront location, existing infrastructure and skilled workforce," the founder of the company Petri Alava said in a press release.
According to Infinited Fiber, a fully-fledged plant is expected to create at least 270 new jobs in Veitsiluoto by 2025. The closure of the Veitsiluoto sawmill employed about 670 people.
Stora Enso leases only part of the mill to a textile producer.
The company, which manufactures paper, wood and packaging products, is also selling its Veitsiluoto district heating network to the municipal network company Nevel.
Source: The Nordic Page