IN CONVERSATION
Shaping the future of containerboard
IN EARLY 2026, MINNA BJÖRKMAN STEPPED into a newly created role as Senior Vice President, Containerboard at Metsä Board, taking overall responsibility for the company’s container- board business. The role covers the Kemi mill and Husum BM2, and Metsä Board’s coated white top and fully bleached kraft- liner grades – a premium segment where performance, quality and visual appearance matter every day to customers. How does it feel to start in a new role? “Having an opportunity to lead Metsä Board’s containerboard business feels both motivating and meaningful. Because the role is new, we have a real opportunity to shape how we work, clarify priorities and strengthen alignment – with our customers and across the organisation.” What excites you most about the containerboard business? “Metsä Board is a market leader in coated white top and fully bleached kraftliners – products that represent the highest visual standards, quality and performance in our industry. What excites me most is the close link to our customers’ success. Operating in the premium segment means our customers expect more, but that’s also what makes this business inspiring to lead.” How would you describe yourself as a leader? “I’m customer-centric, collaborative and performance-oriented. I believe strong results come from engaged teams who under- stand the ‘why’ behind our targets. I aim to be approachable, decisive when required and consistent in expectations.”
9
“Being in this premium segment means our customers expect more.”
A NEW DEMO PLANT
Lignin based product demo plant advances side stream utilisation METSÄ GROUP has started up a demo plant in Ääne- koski in Finland to produce a new lignin-based product from pulp production side streams. The demo plant uses lignin that is separated during the pulping process and traditionally used for bioenergy, but which also has potential for higher-value material applications. The purpose of the plant is to validate the production pro- cess and assess the product’s suitability for the market before possible commercial-scale production. The new lignin product can replace fossil-based chemicals in the production of concrete and gypsum boards.
BOARD MAGAZINE
Powered by FlippingBook