Stora Enso opens Europe's largest consumer packaging board line in Finland
Stora Enso inaugurated what it hails as "the largest and most modern consumer packaging board production line in Europe" on Monday, 18 August. The event in Oulu, Finland, was attended by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Stora Enso’s board chairman Kari Jordan, president and CEO Hans Sohlström, and Oulu mill’s chief shop steward Olli-Pekka Kaikkonen.
18 Sep 2025 | 352 Views | By Treya Sinha
This investment strengthens Stora Enso’s position in renewable packaging materials and contributes to the global transition towards a circular bioeconomy. The Oulu unit is poised to serve the escalating demand for sustainable packaging solutions, bolstering Finland's competitiveness and boosting exports of high-value products.
Stora Enso has channelled more than a USD one billion into the new production line and other site developments, bringing the total investment in the Oulu mill between 2019 and 2025 which will be approximately USD two-billion. These investments have facilitated the conversion of former paper machines into board lines, reportedly reducing fossil carbon dioxide emissions by 90% and significantly mitigating environmental impact.
The Oulu mill produces a range of essential materials, including folding boxboard, kraftliners, paper bag material, and unbleached softwood pulp, with board materials suitable for direct food contact. Almost all of the mill's production is slated for export.
The new production line at the Oulu mill incorporates Stora Enso’s patented FiberLight Tec fibre processing technology, enabling the creation of lighter yet robust and durable boards. As per a company spokesperson, the folding box board 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. The mill’s location next to a deep port ensures efficient year-round global logistics, further underscoring the company’s commitment to mitigating climate change.
The Oulu site boasts a rich history dating back to the 1930s. Today, it directly employs over 900 individuals and indirectly supports many more across its extensive supply chain, including wood transport, logistics, maintenance, and various service providers in the region.
Stora Enso anticipates the new line to achieve its full capacity of 750,000 tonnes by 2027, at which point the line's annual sales are projected to notch up approximately USD billion.