Metsä Group launches carbon capture pilot at Rauma pulp mill

Metsä Group has brought a carbon capture pilot plant online at its Rauma pulp mill. The project, developed in partnership with technology provider Andritz, aims to test the viability of capturing carbon dioxide from pulp mill flue gases, a process not previously applied at scale in this industry.

Throughout the latter half of 2025, the pilot will gather data on energy consumption, capture efficiency, and the quality of the end product. While the current pilot unit can process approximately one tonne of carbon dioxide per day, the company is investigating the feasibility of a demonstration plant with an annual capacity of 30,000 to 100,000 tonnes. No final decision regarding the construction or location of a larger facility has been reached.

Biogenic carbon dioxide represents a significant untapped byproduct for industries such as chemicals and fuels, potentially serving as a replacement for fossil-based raw materials. However, company officials noted that the high capital intensity of such investments necessitates clear regulatory frameworks and public investment support to mature the market.