In October 2021, the Commission carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of several companies active in the wood pulp sector, including UPM, Stora Enso, and Metsä-Fibre, a subsidiary of Metsäliitto Cooperative, in turn part of the Metsä Board group. The inspections took place in several member states.

The Commission had concerns that the companies involved may have violated EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices (Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union).

But it has this month stated: “After a thorough analysis and careful assessment of all the evidence gathered, the Commission has concluded that there is insufficient ground to further pursue the investigation.

“The closure of the investigation is not a finding that the conduct in question complies with EU competition rules.”

UPM, Stora Enso, and Metsä-Fibre have all published separate statements confirming the closure of the investigation.