Metsä Group and Qutwo, a Finnish AI and quantum technology company, are launching a collaboration aimed at deepening the use of artificial intelligence at Metsä and bringing next-generation AI into the core processes of the forest industry. Next-generation AI refers to solutions that can take into account a broader range of variables and simultaneously optimise complex systems.

"Metsä has been leveraging AI for a long time in its production facilities and wood supply operations. Our partnership with Qutwo takes this to the next level. Together we can address increasingly complex challenges and develop new intelligence to support our business," says Anni Rasinen, Director, Business AI at Metsä.

Qutwo will provide Metsä with its AI and quantum platform, Qutwo OS. The aim is to increase the value derived from wood raw material and strengthen Metsä's international competitiveness.

"The competitiveness of European industry will depend on how quickly it develops next-generation AI. Metsä Group's commitment to long-term development together with Qutwo creates capabilities that neither could build alone. This allows European companies to be at the forefront of technology rather than follow others," says Peter Sarlin, Founder and Chairman of Qutwo.

The first initiatives focus on improving productivity in mill converting lines and optimising wood procurement. In wood procurement, AI will enable better use of multiple factors at the same time, helping to guide the use of wood more efficiently from forest to mill and increase overall value.

"Our goal is to significantly increase the value derived from wood and reduce variable costs between the forest and the mill. Together with Qutwo, we are advancing completely new types of development with considerable potential," says Juha Jumppanen, EVP, Wood Supply and Forest Services at Metsä.

Metsä already uses AI, for example, in predicting forest damage, pricing wood trade and silviculture services, and in valuing forest biodiversity.

At the mills, the collaboration focuses particularly on improving productivity in tissue converting lines. Converting is the stage in the production process where the base paper from the paper machine is processed into finished tissue products. AI enables the optimization of the production process, improving efficiency, increasing production capacity, and strengthening Metsä's competitiveness in the market.

Qutwo has rapidly emerged as one of Europe's most interesting players in AI and quantum computing. The collaboration with Metsä demonstrates how next-generation AI can solve demanding industrial challenges and help build sustainable competitive advantage for European industry in global markets.