Stora Enso debuts uncoated paperboard tailored for premium packaging

FINLAND – Stora Enso, the Finnish renewable materials and packaging giant, has unveiled Ensovelvet, an uncoated solid bleached sulphate (SBS) board designed for premium packaging in cosmetics, fragrances, and other high-end consumer goods.

Characterized by a “velvet-like” smoothness on both sides, Ensovelvet offers a unique tactile experience for brands seeking to combine elegance with sustainability.

The board is available in weights ranging from 240 g/m² to 320 g/m² and will debut at LuxePack Monaco, the leading luxury packaging trade show, from 29 September to 1 October 2025.

Ensovelvet responds to rising demand for natural and renewable packaging solutions in the luxury sector.

Its uncoated, bright surface ensures both visual appeal and high printability, while its stiffness and reliable folding performance meet functional needs.

The new product complements Stora Enso’s Ensocoat board, offering brand owners a complete range of coated and uncoated SBS cartonboards for diverse applications. Both products are recyclable, aligning with the global shift towards circular packaging models.

“Luxury packaging is about more than protection—it’s about creating an impression,” said Tomas Larsson, Stora Enso’s head of product line FBB, SBS, liner and book paper.

“Ensovelvet provides a distinctive, natural surface that helps brands stand out in competitive markets. With Ensocoat and Ensovelvet, we now offer a full SBS range tailored to today’s design trends and tomorrow’s performance demands.”

The launch builds on Stora Enso’s major €1.1 billion (US$1.2bn) investment in its Oulu mill in Finland, which began operations in August 2025.

The site, part of a broader €1.7bn transformation since 2019, has converted former paper machines into state-of-the-art board lines.

This shift has cut the mill’s carbon dioxide emissions by 90% and positioned it as a key supplier of renewable consumer packaging.

The Oulu facility incorporates the company’s FiberLight Tec fibre processing technology, enabling production of lighter yet stronger boards used in food, pharmaceuticals, beverage multipacks, and now premium packaging.

A significant share of its output is destined for export markets.

Hans Sohlström, president and CEO of Stora Enso, highlighted the site’s importance, “The Oulu production site strengthens our position in high-value renewable packaging materials while significantly boosting Finland’s export revenue.”

Stora Enso’s Ensovelvet arrives as luxury brands increasingly prioritise sustainability in packaging.

With global demand for eco-friendly luxury materials expected to grow at double-digit rates over the next five years, the company’s expanded SBS portfolio positions it to capture rising opportunities in both European and global markets.

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