Finnish group Stora Enso has begun ramping up production of its new consumer packaging board line at its Oulu site in Finland. First customer deliveries are scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
Launched in 2022, the project represents an investment of around 1 billion euros and involves the conversion of an old paper machine into a flexible production line for folding carton (FBB) and coated bleached kraft (CUK). With an annual capacity of 750,000 tonnes, it should reach EBITDA break-even by the end of 2025 and full capacity in 2027, generating sales of around 800 million euros a year.
"The new line will be the most modern and cost-effective in Europe. Thanks to this investment, our Oulu facility will become Stora Enso's largest production site, an integrated megasite focused on future packaging board grades and featuring a flexible production structure." said Hans Sohlström, CEO of Stora Enso, which employs 19,000 people and generates sales of 9 billion euros.
Following this investment and the conversion in 2021, the Oulu site will produce unbleached pulp, kraftliner and consumer board in reels and sheets. The Oulu production site employs around 650 people.
The increase in wood consumption to 3.5 million cubic meters per year will be ensured by local sourcing and by Stora Enso's production sites in Finland and Brazil.
This development reinforces Stora Enso's strategy in the renewable packaging sector, targeting the dry, chilled and frozen food segments, as well as beverage multipackaging in Europe and North America.
