omies improve. Instead of visiting traditional market stalls, more and more consumers are buying packaged food from grocery stores. The fast-growing online shopping sector also requires more packaging materials to transport products. Wood fibre offers alternatives to plastic The global green transition away from fossil raw materials is driv- ing demand for pulp, says Lansdell. Any alternative materials must be renewable with a low carbon footprint. An example of this is seen in the packaging industry which is looking for solutions to replace plastics in disposable dishes and food packaging. “Fibre-based alternatives to plastic bottles are also being sought. All these applications require both recycled and fresh fibres. In the coming years, we will certainly see more innovations based on wood fibre,” he says. This development is being driven by legislation that restricts the manufacture of products made from fossil raw materials. The EU has already banned certain single-use plastic products and many countries have restricted the use of plastic bags, for example.
Litvay points out that cellulose-based textile fibres will also play an increasingly important role in the global textile market in the future. “The demand for sustainably produced textile fibres will grow as oil-based materials are replaced by less environmentally harmful alternatives. In addition, cotton cultivation is under pressure as it uses a lot of water and takes up space that could be used for food production,” he says. Lansdell agrees that textiles made from wood fibres will make a breakthrough in the coming years. “Finland is one of the pioneers in developing new technologies. Though production is still expensive, costs are falling. The oppor- tunities are enormous. Consumers, governments and NGOs alike want new alternatives to polyester and cotton.” Demand for all pulp grades Amberla says the long-term growth outlook is bright for all pulp grades. “Megatrends will have a positive impact on the demand for both bleached and unbleached softwood and hardwood pulp.”
Global tissue paper production development
Outcome
Estimate
Million tonnes
60
+2–3% /y
50
40
30
20
10
0
Source: Hawkins Wright, Metsä Fibre
21
Powered by FlippingBook