Stora Enso completed an investment worth billions in Oulu, Finland, on 18 August 2025: The new cardboard production line is considered to be the most modern in Europe and is intended to meet the global demand for renewable packaging.
The official inauguration by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Stora Enso CEO Kari Jordan, CEO Hans Sohlström and Works Council Chairman Olli-Pekka Kaikkonen marks an important milestone in the Group's investment strategy. The Oulu site is intended both to strengthen Finland's international competitiveness and to support the transformation towards a circular bioeconomy.
Since 2019, Stora Enso has invested around 1.7 billion euros in the conversion and modernisation of the mill, of which 1.1 billion euros was invested in the line that has now been opened. The conversion of former paper-producing machines to cardboard lines uses the latest technologies, which will reduce the site's fossil CO₂ emissions by 90 per cent, according to the statement. Among other things, folding boxboard, kraftliner, paper bag material and unbleached softwood pulp are produced. The majority of production is destined for export.
Strategic importance for Stora Enso and the region
„The plant in Oulu is a strategically important investment that strengthens our position in the field of renewable packaging materials and increases Finland's export revenue. Packaging made from wood fibres has great potential to replace plastic and can be integrated into existing recycling streams. The virtually CO₂-neutral plant is a concrete example of the transformation from fossil to renewable materials,“ explained CEO Hans Sohlström.
The new production line works with the company's own FiberLight Tec technology, which enables lighter, yet stable and durable cartons. They are used for food, pharmaceutical and beverage packaging, among other things. „Our folding boxboard is up to a third lighter than conventional materials and helps customers to reduce packaging material and transport emissions,“ says Matti Lielahti, Head of the Oulu business unit.
Significance for employment and the region
The site can look back on over 90 years of tradition and today employs more than 900 people directly as well as many more in the supply and service chain. „The billion-euro investment increases the export performance, competitiveness and attractiveness of Northern Finland and creates permanent jobs,“ emphasised Oulu's mayor Ari Alatossava.
The new production line is expected to reach its full capacity of 750,000 tonnes by 2027. Annual turnover is then estimated at around 800 million euros.
Source: Stora Enso
