Södra is expanding its fibre innovation strategy with the launch of Södra blue S, a new paper pulp that combines softwood fibres with oat hulls from Swedish grain processing.

The development marks a practical step toward circular fibre use, where agricultural by-products are turned into value-added raw materials for papermaking.

Why Blue S Matters

Södra blue S is designed to meet growing demand for:

• renewable materials
• circular fibre solutions
• higher resource efficiency
• stronger fibre-based products

Instead of relying only on forest fibre, the new pulp integrates agrofibres directly into the pulp process.

Pilot trials at Södra Cell Värö showed positive results, including:

• improved strength properties
• good runnability in paper production
• increased yield potential

Södra says conditions were established by late 2025 to enable campaign-based production volumes.

Oat Hulls Create New Value

The oat hulls come from Berte Qvarn, a local food producer near Värö.

This local sourcing offers two strategic benefits:

• shorter transport distances
• stronger regional raw material resilience

It also creates a bridge between forestry and agriculture, turning a grain-processing by-product into a functional pulp ingredient.

Industry Insight

Blue S reflects a broader shift in the pulp and paper industry:

future fibre supply will not come only from forests.

As mills look for better resource efficiency and lower-waste production models, agricultural residues such as oat hulls, straw, bagasse and other side streams may become increasingly important.

Final Thought

Södra blue S is more than a new pulp grade. It shows how pulp producers can expand the fibre base while maintaining performance.

For the paper industry, the next stage of circularity may depend on exactly this kind of cross-sector collaboration: forestry plus agriculture, local residues plus industrial know-how.

Last Updated on 09/05/2026 by Jota Machinery