Infinited Fiber plans textile recycling plant in Kemi, creates 270 jobs

Finnish fashion and textile technology company Infinited Fiber has planned to build its first commercial-scale fiber factory to produce regenerated textile fiber at Stora Enso’s Veitsiluoto industrial site in Kemi, said the company in a press release on Monday.

The size of the investment is estimated at EUR 400 million, and it is expected to create around 270 jobs in the area.

The annual fiber production capacity of the planned factory is expected to be 30,000 metric tons, which is equivalent to the fiber needed for about 100 million T-shirts.

Infinited Fiber Company’s technology enables cotton-rich textile waste to be transformed into a versatile, high-quality regenerated textile fiber.

The company will convert a building housing a discontinued paper production line into an Infinna fiber factory.

Both the factory engineering and project implementation as well as the related financing negotiations were commenced at the beginning of the year and are progressing well.

Infinited Fiber Company has also agreed on the provision of energy and water related services with utility infrastructure company Nevel.

Once up and running, the factory is expected to provide direct employment for around 220 people, and for a further 50 through on-site support functions such as services, maintenance, and logistics.

The factory is anticipated to operate at full capacity in 2025.

“Circularity is at the heart of our business. We aim to make use of existing resources in all that we do, which makes the historic Veitsiluoto industrial site a great fit for us. At the same time, we will be creating new export products and jobs,” said Infinited Fiber Company CEO and co-founder Petri Alava.

Infinited Fiber Company selected the Veitsiluoto industrial site after reviewing dozens of potential premises across Finland.

Decisive factors supporting the decision included the site’s excellent existing infrastructure, the availability of fresh water, renewable electricity and energy, efficient port services, and local skilled labour.

“We are pleased to get part of the Veitsiluoto site utilized and happy about the investments and jobs that Infinited Fiber Company is set to bring there,” said Stora Enso Chief Financial Officer and Finland Country Manager Seppo Parvi.

“Supporting the transition to a climate-positive future through long-term cooperation is extremely important for us. We are delighted to be a utility infrastructure partner for Infinited Fiber Company as it prepares to build its factory in Veitsiluoto, and we believe that this collaboration will also create new opportunities in the area,” said Thomas Luther, CEO of Nevel.