The aim, according to information manager Ulf Gunnarsson, is to convince customers that Sdra is the right supplier, "even when they have the chance to order pulp from other sources".

PulpServices is a free offering that will provide customers with access via
a secure website.

Its five main elements are: PulpUpdate, which provides market analysis; PulpHedging, which addresses price fluctuations by providing a fixed price index; PulpAcademy, technical co-operation with Sdras research and development department; PulpIT, which allows electronic handling of all business information; and PulpLogistics, which aims to simplify and shorten the supply chain by connecting directly to customer inventories.

Once there, customers will also be able to track their orders from the mill Gunnarsson said 80 customers had signed up to the initiative, which has involved "serious investment" for the Swedish pulp manufacturer.

The company has also taken on three extra staff to work specifically on PulpServices, and Gunnarsson said the service could be expanded depending on customer feedback.

"We will try and refine the initiative as it progresses, but the initial
concept is a direct answer to what customers wanted," he said.

Story by Andy Scott