I am, however, concerned about that potentially permanent change in the softwood pulp market. Northern bleached softwood kraft (NBSK) might no longer be needed in the same quantities as before. Part of it is being replaced by short-fiber eucalyptus pulp, part by Chinese bamboo pulp, and part by South American plantation softwood pulp.
In order for a pulp mill in Finland to benefit from e-fuels and surplus electricity, the core business itself—softwood pulp production—must be healthy and profitable.
All signs point to the fact that in 5–10 years, there will be less pulp production in Finland than there is now. This is bad news for forest companies, society, harvesting chains, truck drivers, and forest owners. Forest owners should, at the latest now, diversify their investments increasingly away from the Finnish forestry sector.