On 31 July 2025, Metsä Board announced the launch of a cost savings and profitability improvement programme worth approximately EUR 200 million. The aim of the programme is to adjust the company's cost structure, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen the foundation for sustainable growth. As part of the programme, the company initiated change negotiations on 7 October 2025 involving its entire personnel across its operating countries.

The estimated need for personnel reductions in the change negotiations was up to 315 employees, of which 155 were in Finland. The change negotiations in Finland have now concluded, resulting in a total reduction of 150 positions. In addition, the company will implement reorganisations of roles and functions to improve operational efficiency and strengthen competitiveness. As a result of the change negotiations held in Finland, Metsä Board will record approximately EUR 12 million in one-off costs in its comparable operating result for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Change negotiations continue in Metsä Board's other operating countries in accordance with local legislation. The outcomes of these negotiations will be communicated at a later stage.

In addition, the change negotiations concluded that in 2026, the company may implement temporary layoff periods in multiple phases at its production sites in Finland, to adjust production to potentially continued low demand for paperboard. At the sites in Kemi, Kyröskoski, Simpele and Äänekoski, any potential layoffs may last up to 90 days, whereas in Kaskinen and Joutseno, they may exceed 90 days. The scope and allocation of any potential layoffs will be decided separately based on the situation.