Finnish pulp and paper manufacturer Stora Enso has inaugurated its modern consumer packaging board production line at its Oulu mill in Finland, following a €1.1bn ($1.2bn) investment.
The investment is part of a larger €1.7bn investment in the site since 2019.
This strategic move has enabled the conversion of former paper machines into state-of-the-art board lines, decreasing the mill’s environmental impact by slashing carbon dioxide emissions by 90%.
The new production line at the Oulu mill incorporates Stora Enso’s patented FiberLight Tec fibre processing technology.
This technology allows for the creation of lighter yet stronger and more durable boards, including folding boxboard, kraftliners, paper bag material, and unbleached softwood pulp.
The Oulu mill’s output caters to a variety of packaging needs, including frozen and dry food products, pharmaceuticals, and beverage multipacks.
The majority of the mill’s output is destined for export, according to the company.
Stora Enso president and CEO Hans Sohlström said: “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 fibres has great potential to replace plastic packaging and our materials are designed for existing recycling streams. The nearly carbon-neutral production site in Oulu is a prime example of an investment in bioeconomy, and it concretely contributes to the transition from fossil materials to renewable and recyclable packaging.”
Looking ahead, Stora Enso anticipates that the new consumer packaging board line at the Oulu mill will achieve its full production capacity of 750,000 tonnes (t) by 2027. By this time, the mill’s annual sales are expected to reach approximately €800m.
Stora Enso Oulu business unit head Matti Lielahti said: “Our folding boxboard can be up to a third lighter than traditional boards, the material is efficient and durable and helps our customers to reduce the consumption of packaging material and at the same time reduce their transport emissions.
“This means also that they have very high added value. Our mill’s location next to the deep port enables efficient logistics worldwide throughout the year. It is important for us to be involved in mitigating climate change.”
Stora Enso has roots in the Oulu region, with the mill’s history stretching back to the 1930s.
