Sustainability agenda and governance

Sustainability is integral in Stora Enso’s strategy as well as corporate governance – it is at the core of what we do.

Stora Enso contributes to the transformation towards a biobased circular economy in three areas where we have the biggest impact and opportunities: climate change, biodiversity, and circularity. With our low-carbon and recyclable fiber-based products, we support our customers in meeting the demand for renewable eco-friendly products. 

We believe that the world needs a transformation to balance between staying within planetary boundaries and securing economic and social progress. As the renewable materials company, Stora Enso can and will contribute to this transformation by offering regenerative solutions.

Our approach is two-fold:

• Our goal is that by 2050, we provide 100% regenerative solutions. These are solutions that are circular and contribute positively to biodiversity and climate change – and thus, the wellbeing of people. The 2050 goal means we will support our customers’ in becoming regenerative themselves.
• We will continue to ensure that we conduct our everyday business in a responsible manner: that, for example, human rights are respected, emissions to air and water are minimised throughout our operations, and impacts from our value chain are proactively managed. This will always be the foundation of our work.

Sustainability governance

Sustainability is a key element of Stora Enso’s corporate governance, promoted by the Board of Directors, the CEO, and the Group Leadership Team (GLT). The CEO has the ultimate responsibility for the successful implementation of our sustainability strategy. At Stora Enso, sustainability work is led by the Chief Sustainability Officer, who reports to EVP, Strategy and Sustainability (part of the Group Leadership Team). 

The Board of Directors’ Sustainability and Ethics Committee

The Sustainability and Ethics Committee is responsible for overseeing the Company’s sustainability and ethical business conduct, its strive to be a responsible corporate citizen, and its contribution to sustainable development. The Committee regularly reviews Stora Enso’s sustainability agenda and Ethics and Compliance Strategy and, in accordance with Stora Enso’s corporate governance structure, oversees their effective implementation as well as reviews the Company’s external sustainability reporting.

The Committee comprises two to four Board members who are nominated annually by the Board. The members are independent of and not affiliated with the Company. At least one Committee member is expected to have sufficient prior knowledge and experience in handling sustainability and ethics matters. The Committee meets regularly, at least twice a year. The Chair of the Committee presents a report on each Sustainability and Ethics Committee meeting to the Board.