Creating value through innovation
At Stora Enso, innovation is how we turn ambition into action. Guided by sustainability, we continuously develop solutions that respond to some of the most urgent challenges of our time, from climate change, resource scarcity to evolving societal needs such as increased mobility or aging population.
Our approach is simple but ambitious: create more value with less impact. By replacing non-renewable materials with renewable, wood-based alternatives, we aim to accelerate the transition to a circular bioeconomy.
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, resilient forestry, and close collaboration with customers and partners. This allows us to develop solutions that are not only sustainable, 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 tangible value to customers, society, and the planet.
Because meaningful innovation doesn’t just solve problems. It moves entire industries forward.
Our innovation focus areas
Renewable packaging
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Stora Enso develops fiber-based packaging solutions designed to replace fossil-based materials and improve recyclability.
We focus on:
- Renewable alternatives to plastics
- Circular packaging solutions that are simple to recycle
- High-performance materials for food and e-commerce applications
Example innovations include:
- Papira® – a paper-based, recyclable packaging foam designed to protect goods in e-commerce while reducing plastic content
- Lightweight paperboard solutions for food packaging
- Low-carbon packaging materials showing a significantly reduced CO2 footprint
Low-carbon building solutions
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We innovate in wood-based construction, offering alternatives to fossil-intensive materials like concrete and steel.
This supports:
- Lower carbon footprints in buildings
- More efficient construction processes
- Growth in sustainable urban development
Bio-based materials
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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 both performance and sustainability. Our innovation is grounded in:
- Renewable raw materials
- 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
