Thorlabs Sweden designs and manufactures advanced optical and electronic components used in research, industry, and high-tech applications worldwide. Packaging plays a critical role in ensuring products arrive in perfect condition, regardless of destination.
Together, the three partners developed a Papira® based packaging solution that delivers reliable shock protection, clean handling, and consistent performance — without relying on fossil-based materials.
As a packaging specialist, Emballageteknik leveraged its extensive expertise to translate material innovation into a scalable, production-ready solution. By combining Papira® with smart design and deep application knowledge, the team ensured both performance and efficiency.
Made from renewable wood fibers, Papira® is designed for circularity — recyclable, biodegradable, and free from plastics. For Stora Enso, the collaboration is a clear demonstration that sustainability and high performance can go hand in hand.
“For us, protection and cleanliness are critical. Papira® has proven that a bio-based material can meet our technical requirements while supporting our sustainability ambitions” – Olle Rosenqvist, Development Manager at Thorlabs Sweden AB.
“This project shows what’s possible when material innovation and converting expertise come together. Papira® performs well as shock protection and is a good bio-based alternative to traditional foam solutions” – Lucas Pontén, Sustainability & Quality Manager, Emballageteknik.
Papira® is a bio-based, recyclable and biodegradable shock-absorbing material from Stora Enso, converted and engineered by Emballageteknik to meet the strict demands of Thorlabs Swedens’ precision products.
Stora Enso has great news for the packaging industry, and every company seeking to reduce their dependence on fossil sources. Papira® by Stora Enso is their breakthrough innovation designed to reduce plastics and waste in future packaging solutions. This bio-based and recyclable alternative to fossil-based materials proves that wood fibres can phase out expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyethylene (PE) foams. Papira® by Stora Enso is the result of ingenuity – and our aim to make protective packaging renewable.
The industry is in dire need for a bio-based and sustainable solution for safeguarding products during transport, storage, and handling. The shift towards sustainable choices in the packaging industry reflects global environmental issues and regulatory pressures, as well as consumer preference for renewable alternatives.
Papira® has them excited for the future and material from their pilot plant show promise for future packaging with lower carbon footprint and less waste – and great protective properties.
Setting a new benchmark for protective packaging
Proven in industrial use, the Papira® solution meets the highest requirements in electronics and optics packaging. The collaboration shows how value chain partnerships can turn innovation into performance — and open the door to what comes next.
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