Stora Enso inaugurates Europe’s most modern consumer board line in Finland
The largest and most modern consumer packaging board production line in Europe was inaugurated in August at Stora Enso’s Oulu site in Finland. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo, Chair of Stora Enso’s Board of Directors Kari Jordan, President and CEO of Stora Enso Hans Sohlström, and Oulu mill’s Chief Shop Steward Olli-Pekka Kaikkonen.
Stora Enso’s Oulu unit serves the growing global demand for renewable packaging and contributes to the transition towards a circular bioeconomy. At the same time, the production site strengthens Finland’s competitiveness and increases exports with higher value-added products.
Stora Enso has invested EUR 1.1 billion in the newly inaugurated production line, as part of a total investment of approximately EUR 1.7 billion in the Oulu mill between 2019 and 2025. The conversion of former paper machines into advanced board lines was made possible by utilising the latest technology, while fossil carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by 90%. The mill produces folding boxboard, kraftliners, paper bag material, and unbleached softwood pulp. All board grades are suitable for direct food contact, and almost the entire production is exported.
“The Oulu production site is a strategically significant investment as it strengthens our leading position in high added value renewable packaging materials and increases Finland’s export revenue significantly. Consumer packaging made from wood fibers has great potential to replace plastic packaging, and our materials are designed for existing recycling streams. The nearly carbon-neutral Oulu production site is a prime example of an investment in bioeconomy, and it concretely contributes to the transition from fossil materials to renewable and recyclable packaging,” said Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Stora Enso.
The new production line utilises Stora Enso’s patented FiberLight Tec™ fiber processing technology, which enables the production of lighter, yet strong and durable boards. End uses include packaging for frozen, chilled, and dry food products, pharmaceuticals, and beverage multipacks.
“Our folding boxboard can be up to one-third lighter than traditional boards. The material is efficient and durable, helping our customers reduce packaging consumption and transportation emissions, while offering high added value. Our mill’s location next to a deep-water port ensures efficient worldwide logistics all year round. It is important for us to play an active role in mitigating climate change,” commented Matti Lielahti, Head of Stora Enso Oulu Business Unit.
“We mainly use pulpwood purchased from private forest owners in Finland, small-diameter wood, and sawmill chips for board production. In addition, bark and sawdust are used for energy production, with the bioenergy generated supplying district heating in Oulu,” continued Matti Lielahti.
The Oulu site strengthens regional vitality
Stora Enso’s Oulu site has a long history in the region, with mill operations dating back to the 1930s. Today, it directly employs more than 900 people and supports thousands more across the supply chain, including wood transport, logistics, maintenance, and service providers in the area.
“Stora Enso’s billion-euro investment in Oulu will enhance export operations, strengthen the vitality and competitiveness of the region and Northern Finland, and create permanent jobs. We are proud to actively contribute to the implementation of significant green transition industrial policy investments in line with our growth strategy,” stated Ari Alatossava, Mayor of Oulu.
The new consumer packaging board line in Oulu is expected to reach full capacity of 750,000 tonnes by 2027, with anticipated annual sales of approximately EUR 800 million.
