Stora Enso completes EUR 30 million investment to cut emissions at Heinola Fluting Mill
Stora Enso completed its EUR 30 million investment to renew energy use and production processes at the Heinola Fluting Mill during the final quarter of 2025. As a result of the project, the use of solid fossil fuels at the mill was replaced with renewable bioenergy, leading to a reduction in annual greenhouse gas emissions of more than 113,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, corresponding to a decrease of over 90% compared to previous emission levels.
The investment represented an important milestone in Stora Enso’s objective to halve greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations by 2030. The achieved emissions reduction at the Heinola Fluting Mill was equivalent to the carbon footprint generated by housing for approximately 80,000 average Finnish residents.
Project execution was completed as scheduled during the mill’s annual autumn shutdown. The scope of work included the construction of a new fuel receiving station and conveyor system, as well as an extensive modernisation of the mill’s fluidized-bed boiler. RTA Oy carried out the civil engineering works, Raumaster Oy was responsible for equipment installations, and Sumitomo SHI FW Energia Oy implemented the boiler modifications.
Commenting on the project, Eija Liikola, Project Manager at Stora Enso Heinola Mill, stated: “The project was a very rewarding and diverse experience. Commissioning proceeded with the expected intensity, but thanks to close cooperation everything went according to plan. Success was based on strong collaboration with various partners as well as the committed support of our own personnel. The new equipment and processes have now been commissioned following test runs carried out with the suppliers, and we are satisfied with their performance. In addition, we achieved our targets for both occupational safety and environmental emissions.”
According to Mikael Sillfors, Technology and Investment Manager at the Heinola Mill, the investment has significantly improved the mill’s competitive position: “With this investment, the carbon footprint of our Heinola mill is now among the lowest on the market. At the same time, we have improved process stability and efficiency and strengthened the mill’s competitiveness.” Sillfors also highlighted the positive local impact of the project, noting: “The investment also benefits many residents of Heinola. The district heating we produce is now even more environmentally friendly, bringing the city of Heinola a significant step closer to its carbon neutrality goal.”
Stora Enso’s Heinola mill produces high-quality fluting (corrugating medium) for the corrugated packaging industry, primarily for export markets. With its upgraded energy infrastructure, the mill is now equipped to support responsible, low-emission production while meeting the evolving sustainability requirements of its customers.
