The largest consumer packaging board production line in Europe was inaugurated on 18 August in Oulu, Finland. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo, Stora Enso's Chair of the Board Kari Jordan, President and CEO Hans Sohlström, and Oulu mill's Chief Shop Steward Olli-Pekka Kaikkonen. The Oulu site focuses on renewable packaging materials and supports Finland's export capacity with higher value-added products.
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Stora Enso has invested EUR 1.1 billion in the new line, with total investment in the Oulu mill between 2019 and 2025 reaching approximately EUR 1.7 billion. The former paper machines were converted into board lines using modern technology, with fossil carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 90%. The mill now produces folding boxboard, kraftliners, paper bag material, and unbleached softwood pulp, with most of the output exported.
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The facility applies Stora Enso's patented FiberLight Tec™ fiber processing technology. This process enables the production of lighter boards designed for packaging uses such as frozen and dry food products, medicines, and beverage multipacks. Pulpwood purchased from private Finnish forest owners, small-diameter wood, and wood chips are the main raw materials, while bark and sawdust are used for energy production. The bioenergy generated at the site also supplies district heating for Oulu.
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The Oulu mill employs more than 900 people and indirectly supports jobs in transport, logistics, maintenance, and service provision across the region. Local authorities note that the investment strengthens industrial capacity and export competitiveness in Northern Finland. The new board line is expected to reach full capacity of 750,000 tonnes by 2027, with annual sales projected at around EUR 800 million.
© Stora Enso
© Stora EnsoFor more information:
Ingrid Peura
Stora Enso
Tel: +358 50 307 0026
Email: [email protected]
www.storaenso.com