Running fast and stable at SCA Obbola

Up and running – fast and steady. That’s how the world’s largest kraftliner machine is now being described. But getting there hasn’t been without challenges. Located just outside Umeå in northeastern Sweden, the newly transformed Obbola mill is now delivering on its promise: scale, reliability, and industry-leading sustainability.

Here is a conversation with Mikael Frölander, VP Marketing and Sales, and Gustaf Nygren, Mill Manager, SCA Obbola about the mill’s status and what it means for you.

Investing for the future of renewable packaging

Q. You’ve both lived and breathed this project for years. Can you briefly recap why SCA made this investment, where we stand, and what it ultimately means for customers?

MIKAEL: Absolutely. The goal was clear from the start: to meet growing customer demand for a reliable source of renewable packaging material, based mainly on fresh Nordic fibre. They were looking for a robust, future-proof quality liner that runs smoothly in their machines, enables high-quality prints, and offers one of the market’s lowest carbon footprints – and that’s exactly what we’re delivering! 

Q. Gustaf, the ramp-up phase took longer than expected. What were the main challenges? 

GUSTAF: It’s a question I get a lot. Honestly, we were a bit too optimistic early on, and we’re grateful for our customers’ patience. But this wasn’t like upgrading a mobile phone. It was never going to be ‘plug and play.’ Getting such a complex system of equipment to work together smoothly took time.

“Achieving stable high quality 
requires patience and fine-tuning.”

Initially we had some issues with the stability of quality, which required patience and fine tuning. It wasn’t just one thing, but many aspects – from steam and water systems to digital infrastructure and logistics. Now we’re not only meeting but often exceeding our ramp-up plan.

MIKAEL: Exactly, Gustaf. The old PM1 machine was from 1974 so this leap was greatly needed. With the new setup we’ve increased capacity from 450,000 to 725,000 tonnes – and most importantly, combined proven, best-in-class technologies to deliver high-quality kraftliner.

Q. Mikael, how does this world-leading technology translate into unique customer benefits? 

MIKEAL: Let me give you two examples: 

Firstly, our three headboxes allows us to utilise the three plies with a fibre mix so that we can develop our products in many different ways. 

Secondly, our three advanced shoe presses – not so commonly used for kraftliner – significantly improve the surface smoothness. Customers immediately notice the improvement when printing.

GUSTAF: And we can’t forget the sustainability gains. The new machine reduces energy consumption by up to 40 kWh per tonne, and our biofuel-fired furnace saves 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually compared to fossil-oil furnaces. It’s a long list of climate-friendly improvements, too – all adding value for our customers.

“The future is being made here in Obbola”

Q. What’s been the most inspiring part of this journey for you?

GUSTAF: Running the world’s largest and most advanced kraftliner machine – right here in my hometown of Umeå – is incredibly rewarding. The technology and systems we are using are at the forefront of the industry. It’s been, and still is, an amazing journey.

MIKAEL: For me personally, the most rewarding part has been the fantastic collaboration – both internally and with our customers. They’ve been part of this from the start. And our staff has listened and worked very hard to meet the demands. 

Built for the long term 

Q. What does the path ahead look like? 

MIKAEL: Today, we’re running at scale, with precision, and with a sustainability profile that matches where our customers – and the industry – are headed. Looking forward, I’m confident this is just the start for the next generation of reliable, renewable packaging – together with our customers.