Finnish fibre textile company Spinnova and Brazil’s Suzano have postponed the pre-engineering phase for their new wood-based fibre facility, which was originally scheduled to begin in late 2024.
In March 2024, the two companies formalised their plans through a Letter of Intent (LOI) to build a new manufacturing site dedicated to producing wood-based Spinnova fibre. The pre-engineering phase for the planned 20,000-tonne facility was initially set for the latter half of 2024. While the companies have made progress in fibre-spinning technology, particularly in improving fibre-drying units and validating key sub-processes, the full validation of process efficiency metrics at the Woodspin factory—from pulp to fibre—will not be achieved within 2024.
In response, Spinnova and Suzano are exploring alternative strategies to accelerate the validation of end-to-end process efficiency, which is essential for advancing the project. Under the current arrangement, Suzano is responsible for developing Microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC), while Spinnova is focused on fibre-spinning development. A revised timeline for the new facility will be provided later.
As per the LOI, the pre-engineering phase can only begin once Spinnova delivers a Process Design Package (PDP) for the facility and receives strategic approval from Suzano. The PDP has already been prepared in line with LOI requirements, and fibre quality has been verified against established targets. This confirmation comes from designated brand and supplier partners, as well as results from a yarn spinning test conducted in November 2024. The test demonstrated that Spinnova fibre can be spun using industrial processes at current blend levels while achieving the necessary yield rates.
At the same time, Spinnova is enhancing its pilot capacity to demonstrate the full process from pulp to fibre, using a variety of cellulosic feedstocks. This initiative aligns with the company’s efforts to explore new raw materials and expand technology sales for fibre production beyond wood sources.
The new plant will be located near an existing Suzano pulp mill, with Suzano acting as the owner and operator of the facility.
Despite the delay, Spinnova has maintained its 2024 financial outlook and strategic objectives. In May 2023, Spinnova and Suzano opened their first commercial-scale facility, capable of producing 1,000 tonnes of sustainable, recyclable, and fully biodegradable textile fibre from responsibly grown wood each year.
