Metsä Group announces modernization plan for its tissue paper mill in Germany

Metsä Group has presented a strategic plan to modernize its tissue paper mill in Kreuzau, Germany, with the aim of strengthening long-term competitiveness and boosting sustainable growth. The initiative addresses the challenges of a demanding market environment, marked by rising energy and raw material costs, which have directly affected the unit’s operations. 

The plan involves a combination of measures to improve efficiency, upgrade production equipment, and adjust capacity, including the decommissioning of a paper machine nearing the end of its lifecycle. The mill will focus exclusively on producing consumer tissue products, balancing paper production and converting capacities while solidifying Metsä’s leadership in sustainable product offerings. 

As part of the process, the company will begin negotiations with the works council to discuss the proposed changes, which may affect up to 120 jobs. 

“We are committed to ensuring the long-term success of our Kreuzau mill. Introducing these plans to adjust our capacity and including the related possible personnel impacts are unfortunate but necessary. With these plans, we aim to strengthen our position in the production of sustainable tissue paper products in the competitive German market. We will work together with our personnel and the works council to find the best possible solutions to the situation”, stated Tobias Lüning, SVP West, and Country Manager of Metsä Tissue GmbH. 

The Kreuzau mill is one of the largest tissue paper facilities in Europe and the biggest within Metsä Group. It serves Central European customers with fresh fiber-based tissue products, playing a vital role in the company’s strategy to lead the market with sustainable solutions.