Lohja, Finland
Kirkniemi Mill
WORKFORCE
WORKFORCE
Highly-skilled employees
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Reduction in direct carbon emissions following the switch to bioenergy in 2023
PRODUCTION CAPACITY
PRODUCTION CAPACITY
The biggest coated publication paper mill in the world, Kirkniemi Mill has a production capacity of 750,000 tons of coated paper for heatset web offset printing serving mainly the high-volume print market. A major investment to convert on-site power generation to biofuels eliminated 90% of the mill’s direct, Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.
This investment and the mill’s expertise and heritage make it the natural choice for supplying premium paper boasting outstanding sustainability, business and services benefits.
Working at Kirkniemi Mill
There are 550 paper-making professionals at our mill, spanning from production to product development, each with two responsibilities: performing their core job and engaging in its continuous improvement. Working safely and effectively in Kirkniemi Mill starts with good orientation and continuous self-development. We build and maintain safe working environments by using the power of teamwork and open communication. At the same time, we are committed to creating a diverse and non-discriminatory work environment where everyone's uniqueness, expertise and views are respected and valued.
There are currently no job opportunities available at this time.
Meet our people
Get to know some of the people unlocking the power of trees and making a planet-positive impact at the Kirkniemi Mill.
I am proud that I have been able to gradually progress from being an operator to a process engineer
Markku Saario
Every day involves a bit of a different task
Joel Rozman
The openness and the way we speak directly about things is something I appreciate
Satu Karjalainen
Without a doubt, the best thing about this workplace is the colleagues and the community spirit we have
Salla Leskinen
I always get help and advice when needed
Tarja Hellgren
About Kirkniemi Mill
Located in Lohja, Finland, Kirkniemi Mill produces exceptional coated paper for heatset web offset printing serving mainly the high-volume print market. Our papers are used to create catalogues, brochures and publications all around the world.
Our three paper machines have the capacity to produce 750,000 tons per annum of high-quality Galerie and Magno web papers, which are tailored to high-quality publishing and advertising end-uses. Kirkniemi Mill also produces 300,000 tons per annum of bleached mechanical pulp for its own consumption. More than 90% of our mill production is exported.
We employ about 550 paper industry professionals, from product development right through to production and delivery.
The mill operates under systematic, goal-oriented management systems consisting of certified Environmental Management System (ISO 14001 and EMAS), Energy Management System (ISO 50001), Occupational Health and Safety Management System (ISO 45001) and Quality Management System (ISO 9001).
Kirkniemi Mill holds Chain of Custody certificates for both Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) (FSC™ C015022) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) schemes (PEFC/07-32-76). These certifications provide proof from third-party certification bodies that the wood and fibre we use come from sustainable and controlled sources.
We are a responsible corporate citizen in our local area and region. Sustainable development requires responsible action in managing environmental issues and conserving natural resources, so taking social responsibility seriously.
More about the mill
Since Galerie Brite was first launched by Kirkniemi in 1990, our range of premium-quality publication papers has grown extensively – first with the addition of Galerie Lite, then Galerie Fine and, more recently, with our adaptable Bulk and Plus solutions. The Galerie range now boasts nine different products across three family members and four surfaces.
We also produce key grammages of Magno Web papers at the mill
See more about our products:
Kirkniemi Mill may be part of the global Sappi group, but the mill has a significant local impact and responsibility. It is the largest private employer in the municipality – and two thirds of the economic footprint of a mill remains within its region. We support community well-being in a number of different ways.
Staff at our Kirkniemi mill come together every year to donate around 10,000 euros to local charities dedicated to improving the prospects of young people. The funds are raised through employees donating staff rewards generated by continuous improvement savings at the mill. This collective effort sees the mill provide equal sponsorship to local charities for children with special needs, ranging from sports clubs to special schools. Since 2016, more than 100,000 euros has been raised and donated in this way.
We collaborate actively with Finnish schools and universities. Every year, we offer around 110 young people the chance to learn important life skills in our responsible summer jobs. We also offer opportunities for thesis work.
Kirkniemi Mill is the last greenfield paper mill in Finland. Construction began in 1963 and environmental issues were taken into account from the start. For example our wastewater treatment plant was the first built specifically for a paper mill in Finland.
Paper Machine 1 started production in 1966. PM2 started in 1972 and was the first paper machine line in the world to be equipped with a computer. In 1982 PM1 was rebuilt entirely and WSOP, uncoated SC offset paper started to conquer the world and become a bestselling global paper. In this way it was one of the first paper brands in the world, even if the term was invented later.
PM3 started in 1996. Design of its product began back in 1991 with publishers being interviewed and changes in technology and operating environments being investigated in order to obtain a competitive advantage for the new product. The aim was a paper whose quality would correspond to the best double-coated fine papers, but with 20% less weight. The strengths of the product were due to new raw materials and a new way of combining raw materials and modern paper manufacturing technology.
Caring for the environment
The mill is committed to reducing the environmental impacts of its operations throughout the value chain and life cycle of its products.
Certifications for Kirkniemi Mill
Our certifications ensure that our performance is monitored and that our operations comply with global best practice across a range of environmental, safety and quality topics.
Explore our other Mills in Europe
Alfeld Mill
Alfeld Mill in Germany has a rich history dating back over 300 years and is a Sappi Centre of Excellence for speciality coated and uncoated papers and boards.
Carmignano Mill
Carmignano Mill is a non-integrated paper mill with two paper machines. The plant produces up to 90,000 tons of paper per annum and employs 230 peop
Condino Mill
Condino Mill is a non-integrated paper mill, with one paper machine. The mill employs 130 employees and produces up to 60,000 tons of paper per annum.
Ehingen Mill
The Ehingen plant, nestled on the banks of the Danube in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, makes both pulp and papers and is renowned for being the world’s first chlorine-free bleaching plant.
Gratkorn Mill
With over 400 years of paper production experience, Gratkorn Mill in Austria has been designed to create superior-quality paper using the latest technology.
Kirkniemi Mill
Kirkniemi Mill in Finland produces exceptional coated paper for heatset web offset printing serving the high volume print market.
Maastricht Mill
Located in the Netherlands, Sappi's Maastricht Mill uses certified, renewable raw materials to produce high-quality products that are completely recyclable.