FINLAND (News release) -- The largest and most modern consumer packaging board production line in Europe was inaugurated on 18 August in Oulu, Finland. Stora Enso's Oulu unit serves the growing demand for renewable packaging globally and contributes to the transition to a circular bioeconomy. At the same time, the production site supports Finland's competitiveness and increases exports with products of higher added value.

Stora Enso has invested Euro 1.1 billion in the now inaugurated production line together with other developments on the site area, amounting to a total of approximately 1.7 billion investment in the entire Oulu mill in 2019-2025. The investments have made it possible to convert former paper machines into board lines utilising the latest technology, while the environmental impact has been reduced by cutting fossil carbon dioxide emissions by 90%. The mill produces folding boxboard, kraftliners, paper bag material, and unbleached softwood pulp. Board materials are suitable for direct contact with food. Almost all of the Oulu mill's 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 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," says Hans Sohlström, Stora Enso's President and CEO.

The Oulu mill's new production line utilises Stora Enso's patented FiberLight Tec fiber processing technology. Technology enables the production of lighter, yet robust and durable boards. End products include, for example, different cardboard packaging for frozen, cold and dry food products, medicines, and beverage multipacks.

Stora Enso's Oulu site has a long tradition in the region with the mill dating back to the 1930's. Today, it employs more than 900 people directly and indirectly.

Stora Enso's new consumer packaging board line in Oulu is expected to reach its full capacity of 750,000 tonnes latest by 2027, when its annual sales are anticipated to be approximately Euro 800 million.

Stora Enso is the leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world.