As demand for dissolving pulp for textile purposes is increasing globally driven by population growth and rising prosperity along with a shift toward textiles that offer a more sustainable alternative as of mid-May, Södra has produced 500,000 tonnes of dissolving pulp at its pulp mill in Mörrum, Sweden, said Magnus Björkman, Marketing and Sales Director at Södra Cell.

Replacing synthetic, oil-based fibre with fibre from forest raw material can significantly reduce the greenhouse gas effect. Substantial environmental gains can also be achieved by using forest-based textile fibres instead of cotton.

Production of dissolving pulp for textile purpose started in December 2011 and has increased steadily since then. Södra made the strategic decision in 2011 to invest in an additional strong fibre product through the production of dissolving pulp, said Annica Larsson Ahlstedt, Development Manager at Södra Cell Mörrum.

They have two production lines at Mörrum - one for dissolving pulp and one for paper pulp - which provides them with ample room to grow in the future.

Following the company's recent decision to invest an impressive SEK 1 billion ($120 million) in Södra Cell Mörrum, its production of dissolving pulp is expected to increase even further as of 2018.

Södra's dissolving pulp is entirely traceable to certified, sustainable forestry operations. But quality is also crucial.