Circularity plan: 90% material circularity by 2030
The circularity plan shows how we embed circularity across the value chain through resource efficiency, renewable materials, circular product design, and partnerships. It also sets our new target for material circularity to reduce environmental impact and support customers’ sustainability goals.
Our ambition: 90% material circularity by 2030
Our target is to achieve 90% material circularity within our direct operational control by 2030, compared with 79% in 2025. We calculate material circularity as an average of circular material inputs and outputs within our operational scope. The target supports circular design, operational efficiency and value chain collaboration to maximise resource use and minimise waste.
Key pillars of our circularity approach
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Product design
We embed circularity and recyclability into product development, increasing recycled content and ensuring compatibility with established recycling systems. Our solutions are co-developed with customers to maximise value throughout the product lifecycle.
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Circular supply
Renewable materials, primarily wood, form the foundation of our raw material sourcing. Enhancing traceability and transparency across the supply chain is vital to reduce impacts on climate and nature.
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Circular production
We invest in innovative processes and technologies to maximise raw material yield, minimise waste, and repurpose side streams into new value-adding applications.
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Use in circular value chains
We collaborate across the value chain to enhance collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure, ensuring materials are recovered and recycled at scale.
“Circularity is a strategic driver of Stora Enso’s growth, competitiveness, and long-term value creation.”
Hans Sohlström, President and CEO
Reporting on our progress
To ensure transparency and comparability, the plan is closely aligned with Stora Enso’s Sustainability Statement, with ESRS E5 “Resource use and circular economy” metrics serving as a basis for GCP calculations. Progress against the target and metrics will be reported in the Sustainability Statement published as part of Stora Enso’s Annual Report.
Key figures 2025
- 94% of our products are technically recyclable.
- 92% of waste is prepared for reuse.
- 84% of wood supply is third-party certified (for example FSC® or PEFC™).
- 79% material circularity, with a target of 90% by 2030.
About the Global Circularity Protocol
The first version of the Global Circularity Protocol (GCP) was introduced in 2025 by World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), following extensive consultation with non-governmental organisations and industry bodies. Version 1.0 serves as a foundational baseline that is expected to mature through real-world application and corporate-testing, eventually becoming the universal standard for circularity.
Stora Enso's Circularity plan outlines our ambition to advance circular transition through renewable materials. It describes the key drivers and dependencies for the circular transition, as well as our actions for implementation, and accountability with metrics and targets.
Download our Circularity plan: 90% material circularity by 2030
