Kuura textile fiber is a new product from Metsä Group, where Finnish wood is processed into highly refined textile fiber without fossil fuels.
May 20, 2025 - Metsä Group and Kemira have agreed to deepen their cooperation to develop the Kuura textile fiber. Kuura textile fibre is produced from softwood pulp.
Niklas von Weymarn, CEO of Metsä Spring, Metsä Group's innovation company, said that Kemira has important expertise for the Kuura fiber manufacturing method.
"We strongly believe in the power of collaboration," said von Weymarn. "Various strategic partnerships are also at the heart of Metsä Group's research and development work. Kemira is a world-class expert in process chemistry and getting them involved in the development of our Kuura fiber manufacturing method is a big step in the right direction."
Riikka Timonen, Commercial Director of Kemira's New Ventures & Services unit, commented, "It is truly exciting to further deepen our collaboration with Metsä Group in the field of cellulose-based textile fibers. It is a significant step for Kemira to be selected as a key partner for the production of Kuura fiber."
Kuura textile fiber is a new product from Metsä Group, where Finnish wood is processed into highly refined textile fiber without fossil fuels. This type of textile fiber can be used to make clothing as well as various technical textiles.
Metsä Group is developing the new Kuura textile fiber and its manufacturing method in a pilot plant in Äänekoski and the company is currently investigating the prerequisites for launching the Kuura business in its pre-planning project.
According to Metsä Group, a key part of the pre-planning is the design work for the first factory, which will be the core of the business. There are still two other location options in Finland for the factory — Kemi and Äänekoski. The earliest time to assess the start of business operations is in late summer 2026.
Von Weymarn emphasized that there are actually three development entities on the table: a product, an industrial manufacturing method and a business plan.
Metsä Group uses wood to make recyclable products for the day-to-day lives of millions of people globally. The Group focuses on wood supply and forest services, wood products, pulp, paperboards, and tissue and greaseproof papers.
SOURCE: Metsä Group