The new line allows for an increase in the use of recycled fiber in the production of specialty papers. Manufacturing the recycled pulp on-site adds control over raw material cost fluctuations.Tuija Suur-Hamari, President of Kotkamills, says that demand for environmentally sound products is increasing, especially in Central Europe, a key market area for laminating papers.“Our major customers place emphasis on ecological aspects, which is why we too strive to take sustainability into consideration in the development work of our special papers,” Suur-Hamari states.Recycled pulp currently accounts for 20 percent of the fiber used for Kotkamills’ brand Absorbex. The rest is chemical pulp manufactured from sawdust.Kotkamills Oy was established last year, when the American private equity company OpenGate Capital acquired the mill’s current business operations from Stora Enso. Kotkamills specializes in laminating papers, special-coated magazine paper and sawn products.