Montes del Plata switches to talc-free eucalyptus pulp

Montes del Plata, the Uruguayan pulp joint venture of Stora Enso and Arauco, has produced exclusively talc-free eucalyptus pulp since spring 2026, replacing talc with an organic additive that controls resin deposits. Stora Enso announced the change on 20 August 2026, citing customer expectations and regulatory scrutiny of talc. The switch followed evaluation from 2023, lab trials in 2024, and subsequent industrial trials.

Why this mattersThe move signals rising regulatory and customer pressure on talc in pulp processing, with implications for other eucalyptus pulp producers.

• Montes del Plata has produced exclusively talc-free eucalyptus pulp since spring 2026
• Talc has been replaced by an organic additive that controls resin (pitch) deposits
• Stora Enso announced the change on 20 August 2026
• Stora Enso and Arauco began evaluating replacement solutions in 2023, with lab trials in 2024
• The additive reportedly meets US FDA requirements and German BfR recommendations for food contact
• Montes del Plata supplies eucalyptus pulp to global markets

Relevant to you? Yes No