Creating value through innovation
At Stora Enso, innovation is how we turn ambition into action. Guided by global needs and consumer expectations, we continuously develop quality packaging materials that perform even in demanding customer needs while responding to some of the most urgent challenges of our time - from climate change and resource scarcity to evolving societal needs.
Our approach is simple but ambitious: create more value with less. By developing materials based on renewable paper-based materials for a range of applications, we contribute to the transition towards a circular bioeconomy. Resource efficiency is central to our work, from creating solutions designed to support recycling where appropriate systems exist, to developing high-performance packaging with reduced weight or enhanced barrier properties.Innovation for us is not a separate function, it is embedded in how we think, collaborate, and operate every day. From product development to process improvements and supply chain performance, we challenge ourselves to do better, move faster, and think differently.
We combine deep expertise in wood and fiber-based materials with industrial know-how, sustainable forestry, and close collaboration with customers and partners. This allows us to develop solutions that are not only designed with environmental sustainability in mind, but also commercially relevant and scalable.
At the same time, we look beyond today. Our innovation efforts are designed to anticipate future needs, unlock new business opportunities, and build a long-term competitive advantage, while delivering value to customers and accelerating the transition to a circular bioeconomy.
Because meaningful innovation doesn’t just solve problems. It moves entire industries forward.
Our innovation focus areas
Paper-based packaging solutions
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Stora Enso develops paper-based packaging solutions designed to be compatible with relevant recycling systems.
We focus on:
- Renewable material alternatives to reduce fossil dependence
- Circular packaging solutions that are designed to support recycling where appropriate collection and recycling infrastructure exists
- High-performance materials for food and e-commerce applications
Example innovations include:
- Papira® – a paper-based packaging foam designed to protect goods in e-commerce while reducing plastic content. It's designed to support recycling where infrastructure exists
- Lightweight paperboard solutions for food packaging
- Resource-efficient packaging materials that can help reduce emissions in specific applications
Wooden construction
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We innovate in wood-based construction, offering alternatives for fossil-intensive materials like concrete and steel.
This supports:
- Building solutions that store carbon throughout their lifetime
- Durable and efficient construction processes with lightweight materials
- Growth in environment-driven urban development
Paper-based innovation
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We unlock the full value of trees by developing new bio-based materials.
Innovation areas include:
- Lignin-based materials
- Biochemicals and binders
- Hard carbon materials for batteries
These innovations expand the role of renewable materials into new industries and applications.
How we innovate
Innovation at Stora Enso is part of everyday business.
We focus on:
- Developing new and existing products
- Improving process efficiency
- Strengthening supply chain responsiveness
We work closely with customers and partners to understand needs, anticipate market shifts, and co-create solutions that deliver performance and can help reduce environmental impacts depending on application and end-of-life scenario. Our innovation is grounded in:
- Renewable raw materials and resource efficiency
- Industrial capabilities
- Strong supply chain operations
- Sustainable forest management
Innovation through collaboration
We innovate together with a broad ecosystem of partners. This includes:
- Universities and research institutes
- Suppliers and customers
- Industry organisations
- Start-ups and innovation platforms
Key partnerships include:
- Aalto University (Finland)
- VTT (Finland)
- Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden)
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
- RISE Institute of Technology (Sweden)
- Lappeenranta University (Finland)
- Through Combient Foundry, we connect with start-ups to explore opportunities in digitalisation and advanced materials
This ecosystem approach helps us to accelerate innovation, stay close to emerging trends, and build long-term capabilities.
Recent innovations
Papira®
Fiber Light Tec™ platform
