Stora Enso completes US$35M energy upgrade, cuts Heinola Mill emissions by 90%

FINLAND — Stora Enso has finalized a major €30 million (US$34.85m) upgrade of its energy infrastructure at the Heinola Fluting Mill, achieving a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Completed in the final quarter of 2025, the project replaces solid fossil fuels with renewable bioenergy, eliminating more than 113,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, according to the company.

The investment marks a significant step in Stora Enso’s long-term decarbonization roadmap and underscores the growing importance of low-carbon materials in the packaging sector.

The Heinola site, which produces high-performance fluting grades for corrugated packaging, now operates with drastically reduced carbon intensity, an advantage increasingly demanded by global brand owners and retailers seeking to decarbonize their supply chains.

The upgrade included the construction of a new biofuel receiving station and conveyor system, enabling efficient handling of renewable fuels.

A major modernization of the mill’s fluidized-bed boiler was also completed, ensuring stable, energy-efficient performance using bio-based inputs instead of fossil fuels.

Beyond production benefits, the energy modernization supports the local community by providing more environmentally friendly district heating for the city of Heinola, improving the sustainability footprint of the surrounding region.

The Heinola mill primarily serves export markets, supplying fluting for corrugated board manufacturers worldwide.

With demand rising for renewable and recyclable packaging materials, and increasing pressure on converters to achieve Scope 3 emission reductions, the emissions overhaul strengthens the mill’s competitive position.

Industry analysts highlight the move as consistent with Stora Enso’s broader portfolio transformation.

Over the last several years, the company has divested non-core operations and expanded into growth areas such as fibre-based packaging materials, engineered wood products, and bio-based energy systems.

The Heinola investment also aligns with Stora Enso’s science-based climate targets, which include cutting absolute emissions and transitioning entirely towards fossil-free operations.

The company has been progressively upgrading boilers and fuel systems across other European mills, expanding renewable energy use and improving energy efficiency.

With governments and major brands tightening climate reporting requirements, the Heinola upgrade represents both an operational milestone and a strategic advantage, demonstrating how targeted capital investments can significantly accelerate decarbonization while supporting long-term competitiveness in the global paper and packaging supply chain.

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