Stora Enso introduces new circularity target aligned with global framework
Stora Enso has announced a new circularity target and published its Circularity Plan, aligning its approach with the Global Circularity Protocol for Business (GCP), an international framework designed to standardise the measurement and reporting of circularity performance across industries.
As part of the new strategy, the company aims to achieve 90% material circularity within its direct operations by 2030, compared with a 2025 baseline level of 79%. According to the company, the target reflects a broader approach to circularity that combines circular product design, operational efficiency and collaboration throughout the value chain in order to maximise resource utilisation and minimise waste generation.
The new metric replaces Stora Enso’s previous technical recyclability target, which has now been incorporated into the wider material circularity framework.
The Global Circularity Protocol was introduced in 2025 by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Environment Programme in cooperation with industrial and non-governmental organisations. The initiative aims to provide companies with a common and transparent methodology for assessing circularity performance, similar to existing standards used for climate and greenhouse gas emissions reporting.
Stora Enso is among the first companies to align its reporting methodology with the protocol and has updated its external circularity indicators accordingly.
“Until now, there has been no common framework for circularity comparable to what exists for climate and greenhouse gas emissions. The Global Circularity Protocol brings much-needed consistency and transparency, supporting both Stora Enso’s strategy and our customers’ sustainability ambitions. We see this as an important first step in a broader journey, where collaboration across value chains will be essential to drive progress,” said Toby Croucher, Chief Sustainability Officer at Stora Enso.
The company stated that the Circularity Plan integrates circular economy principles into both its long-term strategy and daily operations, supporting efforts to improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and strengthen cooperation across supply chains.
“Our new circularity plan converts ambition into measurable progress. By embedding circularity across our value chain and leveraging renewable materials, we reinforce our commitment to responsible growth and long-term value creation for our stakeholders. Stora Enso aims to accelerate the transition to circular bioeconomy through further enhancing resource efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and supporting customers in achieving their sustainability goals,” said Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Stora Enso.
The company also confirmed that progress against the new target will be monitored and reported annually through its Sustainability Statement and Annual Report.
Commenting on the initiative, Diane Holdorf, Executive Vice President of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, said: “By aligning its circularity plan and targets with the GCP, Stora Enso is demonstrating leadership at a time when companies need consistent, comparable approaches to manage material flows, reduce risk and create long-term value. Early adopters like Stora Enso are helping to turn circularity from ambition into actionable business practice, and setting an important signal for peers across sectors.”
