Dissolving pulp for textiles and other applications

Pure by Stora Enso – Dissolving pulp for the textile industry and beyond 

At Stora Enso, we’re always looking to nature for sources of inspiration and innovation. And we’re determined to make the most of our raw materials – with minimal waste and environmental impact – so you can make the most of your products. Our dissolving wood pulp is being used in exciting new ways to help shape the fabric of the future. 

From tree to textile 

Pure by Stora Enso is an integral part of our cellulose line of products based on renewable raw materials. Produced at our Enocell mill in Finland, this dissolving pulp is primarily used to make viscose staple fibres for the textile industry in products such as clothing, decorative fabrics, knitwear and non-wovens.Unlike completely man-made fibres derived from non-renewable fossil fuels, viscose fibre comes from wood pulp. It is therefore a cellulosic fibre, as is cotton or linen. The dissolving pulp undergoes further processing before becoming viscose. 

Wood pulp benefits for textiles and apparel 

The apparel industry is looking for raw material alternatives to petroleum-based artificial fibres (from finite, non-renewable resources) and cotton (which requires large volumes of water and arable land). This makes viscose an attractive alternative.Viscose combines key qualities – drape, lustre and rich brilliant colours– that are essential for textile applications. Unlike purely synthetic fibres derived from fossil fuels, fabrics made from cellulosic-based fibres are breathable, comfortable to wear and absorb moisture well. 

The many faces of fibre

Thanks to its unique versatility, and ability to blend easily with many fibres, many industries use dissolving pulp for a number of different end-use applications. It can be engineered to perform a variety of functions. Our dissolving pulp, Pure by Stora Enso, can be used from fashion to pharmaceuticals, from sponges to fibrous and cellulosic casings, but also in the production of cellophane – a true renewable alternative to plastics. Pure by Stora Enso can be used in a large range of consumer and industrial products. 

Where our dissolving wood pulp comes from 

To make our dissolving pulp, we use birch trees almost exclusively from Finland and western Russia. The raw material is sourced from responsibly managed forests that are certified under FSC® or PEFC™ chain of custody. 100% of our wood is traceable to its area of origin. We actively work with our stakeholders to promote sustainable forest management and the wider use of certification systems. As certification programmes cover all three aspects of sustainability, they are a reliable indicator of responsible forestry. Forest certification schemes also ensure that improvements in efficiency do not compromise the ecological and social sustainability of our productive forests.