Södra is taking the next step in its innovation journey with the launch of Södra blue S – a new type of paper pulp that combines softwood fibres with oat hulls from Swedish grain processing. The initiative is a concrete example of how Södra explores new solutions while using resources more efficiently to create value and contribute to a more circular future.
Södra blue S has been developed to meet the growing demand for renewable materials and more circular use of resources. Drawing on its extensive experience in forest-based raw materials and more than ten years of developing technologies to utilise residual streams from other value chains, Södra is now broadening its fibre base without compromising on quality.
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The new process makes it possible to combine forest fibres and agrofibres directly in the pulp process, enabling Södra to increase yield and improve strength properties. Pilot trials show that blue S delivers enhanced strength properties and good runnability in paper production. Several trials have been conducted at Södra Cell Värö with very positive results. Towards the end of 2025, the conditions were established to enable campaign-based volumes.
“Södra blue S demonstrates what happens when we challenge our own assumptions. By combining forest raw materials with oat hulls from a local partner such as Berte Qvarn, we increase resource efficiency and create value across two key basic industries. The results show that the technology works and that the pulp is of high quality. This is a concrete step towards the circular fibre solutions of the future,” says Annica Ahlstedt Larsson, Head of Product, Södra Cell.
Oat hulls from Berte Qvarn – a local raw material creating new value
The oat hulls used to produce blue S come from the local food producer Berte Qvarn, located just south of Värö. Their local origin means shorter transport distances while making raw material flows more resilient by building on industries in the surrounding region.
The collaboration also creates new value between two industries that have traditionally operated side by side – forestry and agriculture – as a by‑product from oat production is now given a clear function in paper pulp. Oat hulls, which previously had limited areas of use, are thus transformed into a valuable raw material that contributes to increased resource efficiency and opens up new possibilities for future fibre solutions.
“This collaboration shows what becomes possible when we look beyond our own value chains. By combining expertise, local residual streams and a shared ambition to develop new solutions, we take important steps towards the circular systems of the future. Together with Södra, we are exploring new ways of creating value from existing resources and contributing to long-term sustainable development,” says Olof Stenström, CEO, Berte Qvarn.
Södra and sustainable innovation
Blue S is the result of Södra’s long-term innovation efforts. Innovation is part of our everyday work, a way to create added value for our members, customers and society.
Key focus areas include paper, where we aim to develop solutions that strengthen competitiveness and support the green transition. With Södra blue S, we demonstrate how forest raw materials can be used more intelligently – and how residual streams from agriculture can become valuable resources within the forest industry.
By improving established processes and challenging traditional raw material use, we create new opportunities for both customers and forest owners.
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