The Kirkniemi Mill in Finland has three paper machines with the combined capacity to produce 750,000 tons per year of coated paper.
Aug. 12, 2025 - Sappi Europe today announced the initiation of a consultation process at its Kirkniemi Mill in Finland as part of a proposed asset restructure. This step is being taken in response to a structural decline in demand across Europe and sustained financial challenges. The proposed changes are intended to ensure long term competitiveness in the Graphic Paper Market and align production capacity with changing market dynamics and customer needs.
As a result, Sappi Europe has today announced the potential closure of Paper Machine 2 at its Kirkniemi Mill in Lohja, Finland. If implemented, this step would reduce the mill's annual capacity of coated magazine paper by 175,000 tonnes.
The proposed asset closure is part of Sappi's strategy to align capacity with market demand and improve operational efficiency with paper machines 1 and 3 remaining in operation. The process would be carefully managed to ensure continuity of supply with no disruption to customers.
Marco Eikelenboom, CEO of Sappi Europe, said, "This proposed step reflects the broader changes in our market environment and supports our ongoing commitment to improving efficiency, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness across our European operations."
The Kirkniemi Mill has three paper machines with the combined capacity to produce 750,000 tons per year of coated paper for heatset web offset printing serving mainly the high-volume print market. Kirkniemi Mill also produces 300,000 tons per year of bleached mechanical pulp for its own consumption. More than 90% of the mill's paper production is exported. The mill employs about 550 people.
The consultation process may affect up to 100 positions at the Kirkniemi Mill. Sappi remains committed to supporting employees throughout this process in accordance with Finnish legislation and will work closely with employee representatives to find appropriate solutions.
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Sappi Europe is the leading European producer of coated graphic paper as well as packaging and speciality papers.
SOURCE: Sappi Europe