Chemical solutions for water treatment and water-intensive industries such as pulp, paper and packaging
Kemira Oyj
Helsinki · Joutseno · Sastamala · Harjavalta · Kuusankoski · Oulu · Pori · Espoo · Krems · Helsingborg · Fredrikstad · San Giorgio di Nogaro · Shanghai · Nanjing · Yanzhou · Ortigueira · TelêmacoNew on Amplifa
About Kemira
Kemira Oyj is a globally operating provider of sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries. Founded in 1920 by the Finnish state and headquartered in Helsinki, the company develops and produces chemicals for drinking water and wastewater treatment, sludge treatment, and for the pulp, paper, board and packaging industry. The portfolio includes process and functional chemicals such as sizing agents, strength agents, biocides, defoamers, deposit control products, coating binders and PFAS-free barrier coatings. In addition, Kemira offers digital services (KemConnect) for real-time monitoring and predictive process optimization as well as industrial water services for boiler, cooling water and cooling circuit systems. Business operations are divided into the Pulp & Paper segment (approx. 60% of revenue) and Industry & Water (approx. 40%). In 2025, Kemira achieved revenue of around EUR 2.8 billion and employed approximately 4,900 people across six continents; sales are conducted in over 100 countries. R&D centers in Europe, North America and Asia with around 250 experts support application development. Kemira shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
- Site
- Helsinki
- Processes
- Water treatment (drinking/wastewater, sludge treatment), Pulp and paper chemistry (process and functional chemicals), Coatings and Surface Specialties, Barrier Coatings (PFAS-free), Starch/strength agents (dry/wet strength), Sizing (internal/surface sizing), Biocides and preservatives, Defoamers and deposit control
- Materials
- Water Treatment Chemicals, Process and Functional Chemicals, Barrier Coatings, Biocides and Microbial Control, Industrial Water Services
- Certificates
- ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 50001:2018, EcoVadis Gold, ISO 9001:2015 (LRQA, Multisite), ISO 14001:2015 (LRQA, Multisite), ISO 45001:2018 (LRQA, Multisite), ISO 50001:2018 (LRQA)
- Founded
- 1920
- Employees
- 4900
- Industries
- Pulp & Paper, Packaging (Board, Corrugated Board, Molded Fiber), Tissue & Hygiene, Municipal and Industrial Water Treatment, Biogas & Bioethanol, Metals & Mining
- 01
R&D and application development
- 02
Raw material procurement
- 03
Chemical production
- 04
Quality assurance and product stewardship
- 05
Logistics and delivery
- 06
Technical customer service and digital process optimization
Products and Processes
Water Treatment Chemicals
Coagulants and flocculants for drinking water, wastewater, sludge treatment and phosphorus elimination
Process and Functional Chemicals
Sizing, wet and dry strength, retention and drainage for pulp, paper and board
Barrier Coatings
PFAS-free barrier technologies for oil-, grease- and liquid-resistant fiber-based packaging
Biocides and Microbial Control
Hygiene control in paper machines and tissue production
Industrial Water Services
Treatment programs for boilers, cooling towers and closed circuits including Legionella management
Solutions and Applications
Inside the production
Industries
Additional services
Reference customers
Quality and Certifications
Kemira holds multisite certifications according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 (LRQA) as well as ISO 50001 for energy management; product stewardship is part of the Responsible Care program.
| Evidence | Company |
|---|---|
| ISO 9001:2015 (LRQA, Multisite) | |
| ISO 14001:2015 (LRQA, Multisite) | |
| ISO 45001:2018 (LRQA, Multisite) | |
| ISO 50001:2018 (LRQA) |
History
- 1920
Founded on March 26 by the Finnish state (sulfuric acid and superphosphate plants); first managing director Felix Hedman
- 1922
Start of production in Lappeenranta (sulfuric acid) and Kotka (superphosphate)
- 1933
Conversion of the state plants into Sulfuric Acid and Superphosphate Plants Corporation
- 1946
Powder factory operated as subsidiary Vihtavuori Oy
- 1957
Foundation of Vuorikemia Oy and titanium dioxide plant in Pori
- 1960
Aluminum sulfate plant in Harjavalta
- 1961
Renaming to Rikkihappo Oy
- 2020
100th company anniversary on March 26
- 2026
Acquisition of Water Engineering, Inc. (Nebraska, USA) to strengthen Industrial Water Services as well as SIDRA Wasserchemie für Water Solutions in Europe