Renewable materials: what they are and why they matter
Renewable materials are driving change. Bio-based resources can be engineered into high‑performance solutions that replace fossil-based materials while supporting a circular bioeconomy. Designed for strength, efficiency, and reuse, they deliver lasting value today and are ready for what comes next. And by nature, they grow back.
Materials are at the centre of change
What if materials could do more than perform. What if they could help shape our future?
From packaging and biomaterials to construction, our materials are part of everyday life, protecting products, enabling industries, and paving way for new opportunities.
And it all starts with renewable materials. These are resources that grow back.
But renewability alone isn’t enough. Materials must also perform to meet real-world demands: strength, safety, resource, and cost efficiency – while working within circular systems and providing long-term value.
Innovation ensures we don't only produce renewable materials to replace traditional fossil-based and non-renewable ones but also explore opportunities to use materials more efficiently and in new ways.
This is how we move forward. With materials that perform today and are ready for what comes next.
Why choose renewable materials?
Reduced environmental impacts in many applications
Replacing fossil-based and non-renewable materials with renewable alternatives can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The outcome depends on the material, product design, and end-of-life scenario.
Resource efficiency
It's important to use each part of a renewable resource, such as a tree, in the most valuable way possible. Efficient material use and circular solutions can help maximise value from every fiber.
Regeneration and availability
Renewable resources like wood are replenished through sustainable forestry, where harvesting is balanced with forest regeneration by planting new trees and overall management of forest health.
Stora Enso promotes sustainable forest management
- We are committed to sustainable forestry management: our forestry operations are based on the principles of sustainable forestry.
- We ensure forest regeneration after final fellings (as required by law).
- We do not cause deforestation.
Circular potential
Many materials can be reused, recycled, or recovered, and this is true also for renewable materials. Depending on product design and local collection and recycling infrastructure, fiber-based materials can be recycled several times while maintaining their material properties.
Meeting expectations
Renewable materials can help companies respond to evolving regulations, market requirements, and customer expectations, depending on the application and market.
Supporting a circular bioeconomy
A circular bioeconomy is a system where renewable materials are:
- Efficiently used
- Recovered after use
- Kept in circulation
Stora Enso’s entire strategy is built on this transition.
We work together with customers, partners, and policymakers to:
- Replace fossil-based materials
- Improve circular infrastructure
- Advance innovation in fiber-based solutions
- Meet growing demand for circular, high-performance materials
This is not just about reducing impact – it is about creating long-term value and resilience.
Choose materials that make a difference
Explore our detailed comparison to see how renewable materials like wood are leading the way in renewability, recyclability, and degradability.
| Wood | Plastic | Metal | Glass | |
| Renewable? | Yes | No | No | No |
| Recyclable? | 5-7 times | Depending on the type of category, plastics can be recycled 1-2 times, some infinitely and others not at all | Infinite number of times | Infinite number of times |
| Degradable? | 2-8 weeks for paper and board | 500 years or more for plastic containers | Between 50-500 years depending on the type of metal, tin or aluminium container | No |
| Worth talking about | Wood is renewable and with continued development can match the properties of plastic, metal, and glass | Extremely versatil, and inexpensive | A very strong material | Transparent |
