HYLTE
uality PAPER
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A paper mill based in Sweden, Hylte Paper is dedicated to producing high-quality and sustainable paper. The company is equipped with modern technologies and has a production capacity of 245,000 tonnes. Sales Director Martin Gercke and Development Manager Elisabet Tullander discussed the company’s progress and environmental commitment. Report by Antonia Cole.
IN2023, Hylte Mill was bought by Sweden Timber from Stora Enso, Sales Director Martin Gercke said: “This transition has really propelled us on our journey. Sweden Timber produces and sells wood products worldwide. Using its sustainably sourced wood from local forests has enabled us to diversify our product portfolio while remaining focused on the environment.”
Hylte Paper was founded in 1907. With its long history, the company has become one of the world’s leading newsprint mills. At Hylte Paper’s facility, there is one operating paper machine and 270 employees, making it one of the largest private employers in the municipality.
Originally, the company mainly produced newsprint paper qualities. However, over the last two years, Hylte Paper has invested in modern equipment and diversified its product portfolio. Now, the company offers paper for books, copy paper, flyers and flexible packaging.
“We have transformed our mill to improve productivity and efficiency,” added Mr Gercke. “Not only is it important for us to provide a wide range of paper with different characteristics, but to achieve this sustainably is essential. Our main goal is to offer environmentally-friendly paper solutions to the industry. Using innovative production processes and sustainable sourcing, we are able to minimise our impact in a typically carbon-intensive market.”
Responsible forestry
The company produces its paper from TMP pulp, which is made from processed sawmill and pulpwood chips. The pulp is dewatered, pressed and dried to create paper, before it is packaged onto rolls for distribution. Hylte Paper creates its products with 100% wood from responsibly-managed forests. Certified according to ISO 14001, the company places sustainable production at the forefront of operations.
“It is really important to us to protect the environment,” explained Development Manager Elisabet Tullander. “We only use fibres from spruce trees, which are harvested within an average distance of 60km from the mill. The forests are all FSC- or PEFC-controlled and their close location allows us to minimise transportation emissions. We follow strict regulations on what trees and where we are allowed to harvest, promoting biodiversity in the forest.”
Hylte Paper’s products are produced mechanically, meaning almost all the
wood is used to make paper and waste is minimised. Then, the company bleaches its paper with peroxide instead of chlorine dioxide, limiting environmental impacts. Using certain pigments gives the book paper qualities a cream shade, which has been shown to improve readability. As well as offering a lower carbon footprint, this paper is ideal for products such as schoolbooks or for people with dyslexia.
Sales Director Martin Gercke
In terms of consumption, the company has implemented various initiatives to reduce water and resource use. Water is reused several times within the production process to limit waste. The mill is also 97% fossil free and relies on recovered wood and sludge from the WWT plant to fuel its operations.
“Our carbon footprint is very low for a paper manufacturer,” continued Ms Tullander. “Per tonne of paper, we only produce 70kg of carbon. We aim to lead the sector in sustainability, implementing innovative processes and efficient equipment to minimise our environmental impact.”
Encouraging growth
Recently, Hylte Paper has made a significant investment in its environmental management with a large energy storage battery. The battery is being built at the factory to store excess energy, which can be used during peak times. This project is expected to be completed early this year and will be the largest battery in Sweden for energy storage.
Sales Director Martin Gercke
“Our commitment to sustainability really sets us apart from our competitors in the market,” commented Mr Gercke. “Our low carbon footprint attracts clients who are looking to reduce their impact. It can be difficult for companies to manage the carbon footprint of their supply chain, but by working with us, clients can be confident in the paper they’re using.”
The company has also made investments into its facilities and equipment. Hylte Paper now has the machinery to produce smaller reels of paper. Many companies are utilising digital printing to improve efficiency and quality. Digital printing requires narrow reels of paper, so this investment will enable Hylte Paper to meet the specific needs of its clients.
“We constantly strive to exceed the expectations of our clients,” added Mr Gercke. “The company is very flexible when it comes to customer requests and we will always go the extra mile to meet specific demands. Our experience, knowledge and commitment to innovation gives us the tools we need to provide expert customer service. As a smaller company, we are able to create personal relationships and react quickly to changing circumstances.”
Hylte Paper recently took the opportunity to meet many existing and potential clients at the London Book Fair. Here, the company was able to build upon relationships and share its sustainability story throughout the print industry. Highlighting the importance and benefits of sustainably produced paper, the company was able to connect with like-minded people from around the world.
Sharing the message
The company has many long-term relationships with suppliers and partners. There are a limited number of paper machinery suppliers in the world, making these partnerships very important to maintain. In terms of raw materials, it is important for Hylte Paper to create collaborative relationships with suppliers who share the same values of sustainability.
As the paper mill requires a large amount of raw materials, the company relies on strong and reliable partnerships. Where possible, Hylte Paper also uses local suppliers. This supports the local economy and minimises emissions.
Currently, the company is working to become a leading supplier of paper for books. This includes both fictional and educational books, with a focus on the school sector. Hylte Paper will continue to promote sustainability and make people aware of its environmentally-friendly paper. By entering new markets around the world, the company hopes to set a new standard for paper.
“Interacting with our customers and making them aware of our story is really rewarding,” said Mr Gercke. “I enjoy helping our customers to optimise their own processes with our products, contributing to a better future.”
Ms Tullander continued: “I feel lucky to have such great colleagues who are always ready to problem-solve and create solutions. Like Hylte Paper, I am passionate about sustainability, so it is exciting to work with a commitment to the environment.” n
