Five years after its inception, KaiCell has evolved from a desktop study on how to utilise the Kainuu region’s wood surplus into a viable industrial venture. We are now at the stage where the Administrative Court considers appeals filed against the positive water and environmental permit decision made by North Finland’s Regional State Administrative Agency. Such a process is normal for projects of this magnitude. The fact that we received a positive decision from the environmental authority demonstrates that the carefully selected mill site in Paltamo is suitable, and that the mill concept meets today’s stringent environmental and social requirements.
The Paltamo site provides ample potential for future expansion, but also space and infrastructure benefits for those partner enterprises we hope will join us in making the mill a diverse bioproducts platform.
For our core product - softwood sulphate pulp - the mill’s location is excellent both from a national and a global perspective. A mill surrounded by forestland achieves economies in wood logistics and environmental loads. There are few locations in the world where northern softwood availability combines with such positive aspects of industrial, technological and well-established business climate as Finland provides.
Working closely with the local community, we are keenly aware of the benefits the mill will give to the regional economy, and appreciate the value that public support adds to the venture.
Our KaiCell team is highly focused on refining the total venture concept, including business plan, mill design, basic engineering and commercial reach-outs. During the next stage, we expect to broaden the ownership and bring onboard shareholders strong enough to ensure that a commitment based on solid financing can be made to construct the mill.
The past year 2020 left its mark through Covid 19, which hampered movement and business activities all over the world. But despite the pandemic, the global demand trend for pulp based bioproducts continues strong, and strengthens our confidence and resolve as we push on to make the Paltamo mill a reality.
Hannu Heikkinen
CEO, KaiCell Fibers Oy/Ltd
