Plans for UK's Largest Tissue Paper Mill in Goole Collapse as Metsä Withdraws

Plans to build what was set to become the UK's largest tissue paper mill have been abandoned after Finnish manufacturer Metsä Tissue decided not to proceed with the proposed development in Goole, East Yorkshire.

Planning permission for the £-unspecified development on a 211-acre site was granted in September 2025. The proposed facility was expected to cover approximately three million sq ft (279,000 sq m) and create up to 400 direct jobs.

Wykeland Group, which holds the long-term development rights for the site, said it was disappointed by Metsä's decision but had already begun discussions with potential alternative investors and end users.

Dominic Gibbons, managing director of Wykeland Group, said the decision followed three years of work involving the company and other stakeholders.

He said the site retained full planning consent for three million sq ft of manufacturing and high-bay warehousing space. Its location within the Humber Freeport also provides access to financial incentives, which Wykeland believes make it an attractive investment proposition.

Metsä had previously outlined plans for a mill capable of producing 240,000 tonnes of fresh fibre-based tissue paper annually. The proposed investment was expected to increase the UK's self-sufficiency in tissue paper from approximately 40% to around 85%.

Goole is one of three Humber Freeport tax sites, alongside Hull East and Able Humber Port near Immingham.

Wykeland said it was now engaging with prospective alternative occupiers interested in developing the site. Metsä Tissue had been approached for comment.