Stora Enso has officially inaugurated the largest and most modern consumer packaging board production line in Europe, located in Oulu, Finland. The new line, which opened on 18 August 2025, marks a significant step in Stora Enso’s commitment to renewable packaging solutions. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Stora Enso’s Chairman Kari Jordan, President and CEO Hans Sohlström, and Oulu mill’s Chief Shop Steward Olli-Pekka Kaikkonen. This strategic investment is expected to support the growing global demand for renewable packaging while contributing to Finland’s competitiveness in the global market.
A Strategic Investment for Renewable Packaging
Stora Enso has invested EUR 1.1 billion into the new production line, which is part of a larger EUR 1.7 billion investment in the Oulu mill between 2019 and 2025. These investments have allowed the company to convert former paper machines into state-of-the-art board lines, utilising cutting-edge technology. The Oulu mill now produces folding boxboard, kraftliners, paper bag materials, and unbleached softwood pulp. These products are suitable for direct contact with food and contribute to the circular bioeconomy by reducing fossil carbon dioxide emissions by 90%.
“The Oulu production site is a strategically significant investment as it strengthens our leading position in high-added-value renewable packaging materials,” said Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Stora Enso. “Consumer packaging made from wood fibres has great potential to replace plastic packaging, and our materials are designed for existing recycling streams. This nearly carbon-neutral production site is a prime example of our commitment to the bioeconomy, contributing to the transition from fossil materials to renewable and recyclable packaging.”
Sustainable Packaging with Advanced Technology
Stora Enso’s new production line in Oulu incorporates the company’s patented FiberLight Tec™ fibre processing technology. This innovative technology allows the production of lightweight yet robust and durable boards. The end products produced include packaging for frozen, cold, and dry food, medicines, and beverage multipacks. According to Matti Lielahti, Head of Stora Enso’s Oulu Business Unit, “Our folding boxboard can be up to a third lighter than traditional boards, helping customers reduce packaging material consumption and transport emissions.”
The new facility also benefits from the strategic location next to a deep port, which enables efficient global logistics year-round. Stora Enso uses pulpwood purchased from private forest owners in Finland, as well as small-diameter wood and wood chips from sawmills. Bark and sawdust are also utilised for energy production, which supplies district heating in Oulu. “It is important for us to be involved in mitigating climate change,” added Lielahti.
Boosting Exports and Regional Economy
The Oulu site, which has a long history dating back to the 1930s, strengthens the vitality of the region by creating new jobs and boosting the local economy. The investments made by Stora Enso are set to significantly increase Finland’s export revenue by providing high-value-added products to the global market. Stora Enso’s Oulu mill is a critical part of the company’s strategy to grow its share of the renewable packaging market while enhancing the sustainability of its products.
Ari Alatossava, Mayor of Oulu, highlighted the impact of Stora Enso’s investment: “The billion-euro investment in Oulu will improve export operations, increase the region’s competitiveness, and bring permanent jobs. We are pleased to contribute to the green transition industrial policy with this investment, in line with our growth strategy.”
Expanding Production Capacity
The new consumer packaging board line is expected to reach full production capacity of 750,000 tonnes by 2027. When operating at full capacity, the mill’s annual sales are projected to reach approximately EUR 800 million. This investment is a clear demonstration of Stora Enso’s commitment to meeting the global demand for sustainable packaging and reinforcing its position as a leader in the renewable packaging industry.
Stora Enso’s Commitment to Sustainability
Stora Enso’s mission is clear: to lead the transformation towards a circular bioeconomy. The Oulu production site, with its sustainable practices and nearly carbon-neutral production, exemplifies this commitment. As one of the largest private forest owners globally, Stora Enso is dedicated to using renewable resources to produce packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction products that help reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing.
“The Oulu site represents a significant investment in the bioeconomy, creating sustainable products from renewable wood fibres that are fully recyclable,” said Sohlström. Stora Enso’s long-term focus on sustainability ensures that its products play a crucial role in reducing global plastic waste and fostering a circular economy.
Stora Enso’s investment in Oulu’s new consumer packaging board line is a game-changer for the renewable packaging industry. This state-of-the-art production facility will help the company meet the rising global demand for sustainable, high-quality packaging solutions while significantly reducing environmental impact. With advanced technology, efficient logistics, and a focus on sustainability, Stora Enso continues to lead the way in renewable packaging, contributing to the global transition towards a circular bioeconomy.
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