Södra's "blue S" is a new type of paper pulp that combines softwood fibres with oat hulls from Swedish grain processing.
May 15, 2026 - Södra has launched "blue S" — a new type of paper pulp that combines softwood fibres with oat hulls from Swedish grain processing.
According to Södra, the new process makes it possible to combine forest fibres and agro-fibres directly in the pulp process, enabling the company to increase yield and improve strength properties. Pilot trials show that blue S delivers enhanced strength properties and good runnability in paper production.
Several trials have been conducted at Södra Cell Värö with very positive results. Towards the end of 2025, the conditions were established to enable campaign-based volumes.
"Södra blue S demonstrates what happens when we challenge our own assumptions," said Annica Ahlstedt Larsson, Head of Product, Södra Cell. "By combining forest raw materials with oat hulls from a local partner such as Berte Qvarn, we increase resource efficiency and create value across two key basic industries. The results show that the technology works and that the pulp is of high quality."
The oat hulls used to produce blue S come from the local food producer Berte Qvarn, located just south of Värö, Sweden. Their local origin means shorter transport distances while making raw material flows more resilient by building on industries in the surrounding region.
Södra noted that the collaboration also creates new value between two industries that have traditionally operated side by side — forestry and agriculture — as a by-product from oat production is now given a clear function in paper pulp. Oat hulls, which previously had limited areas of use, are now transformed into a valuable raw material that contributes to increased resource efficiency and opens up new possibilities for future fibre solutions.
Södra is the largest forest-owner association in Sweden, with more than 50,000 family forest owners as members. Together, the members of Södra own a world-leading industrial operation that processes forest raw material into renewable products such as pulp, timber, building systems, energy and biochemicals.
SOURCE: Södra