Mercer Rosenthal Provides an Update on the Current Situation on the Saale River

Rosenthal am Rennsteig, October 2, 2026 – During the restart of the Mercer Rosenthal pulp mill following a scheduled maintenance shutdown of approximately four weeks, the company was informed of discoloration near the wastewater discharge point into the Saale River.

As a precautionary measure, the plant has temporarily suspended the startup process and the discharge of wastewater into the Saale River. The wastewater is currently being held in the plant’s buffer tanks until the investigation is complete.

According to its own statement, the Saale-Orla District Office has imposed a temporary precautionary ban on swimming in the southern section of the Bleiloch Reservoir between Harra and the Saale Bridge near Saaldorf. Further information is available from the Saale-Orla District Office.

The relevant environmental authorities have been notified and have visited the site. Mercer Rosenthal is in close and continuous contact with the authorities.

Environmental protection is of great importance to Mercer Rosenthal, and we are taking appropriate measures to fully clarify the facts of the matter.

About Us

Mercer Rosenthal produces kraft pulp, a raw material for paper and tissue manufacturing. With an annual production capacity of 360,000 metric tons, the company primarily supplies customers in Germany and Italy. The majority of the pulp is transported by rail.

In addition to high-quality pulp, Mercer Rosenthal manufactures other wood-based products such as tall oil and lignin. The company also operates a large biomass power plant with a thermal capacity of 413 megawatts and an electrical capacity of 57 megawatts.

Mercer Rosenthal is part of Mercer International Inc., an internationally active manufacturer of wood products with locations in Germany, Canada, and the United States. For more information about the company, visit www.mercerint.com.

Press Contact

Mandy Schwanitz, Public Relations
Email: mandy.schwanitz@mercerint.com
Phone: +49 36642 8-2153
Mercer Rosenthal GmbH
Hauptstraße 16
07366 Rosenthal am Rennsteig