Kemira is expanding sodium chlorate capacity in Joutseno, Finland, to meet rising demand from the pulp industry.

Construction of a new line and cell room based on Kemira’s own technology is expected to start in June 2016 with the unit expected to be in operation during the fourth quarter of 2017. Investment costs are in the range of €50-60 million.

Kim Poulsen, president of Kemira’s pulp & paper segment, said consumption of bleaching chemicals was increasing due to recent pulp mill expansions and greenfield projects in the Nordics.

He commented: “This investment supports our strategy to grow faster than the market and to strengthen Kemira’s position as the leading chemical supplier for the pulp & paper industry.”

Sodium chlorate is the raw material for chlorine dioxide, the primary bleaching agent for kraft pulp which is produced on site at the mills.