SWEDEN – Stora Enso, a global leader in renewable packaging, paper, and biomaterials, has inaugurated a new dry-forming production unit in Skene, Sweden.
This facility is a major milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable packaging and represents a significant advancement in fibre-based technology.
The Skene facility is now the world’s largest and most advanced dry-forming unit, utilizing a cutting-edge process developed by PulPac.
Unlike traditional wet-forming, this dry-forming method greatly reduces water and energy consumption, providing a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process. Additionally, the process captures and reuses excess material, enhancing circularity.
The new production unit will focus on creating high-performance fibre-based products, such as cup lids, designed to replace single-use plastics in food and beverage packaging.
These products offer a considerably lower carbon footprint than traditional plastics and are fully recyclable and compostable.
“Stora Enso is the first to implement this dry-forming technology on a large scale,” said Anna Stenström, Operations Director at Skene.
“Our team’s dedication and partnerships with PulPac and other suppliers have enabled us to scale this innovation to meet the growing demand for sustainable products.”
Juuso Konttinen, Senior Vice President of Biomaterials Growth Businesses at Stora Enso, added, “This achievement represents our ongoing commitment to driving the transition toward a circular and low-carbon economy.”
Sanna Fager, PulPac’s Chief Commercial Officer, also praised the collaboration, saying, “We are proud to see dry-moulded fibre powering the scale-up of dry-forming, and we remain committed to supporting Stora Enso’s success.”
Opening an operation unit in Sweden brings the company closer to its regional customers. In April, ICA Sweden, a leading grocery chain, began replacing traditional polystyrene trays for flowers with Stora Enso’s moulded wood fibre trays.
This switch is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 81%. These trays, designed to withstand moist environments, can soften when exposed to water but regain strength when dried, allowing for multiple uses without compromising quality.
This initiative is part of Stora Enso’s broader efforts to lead the transition to sustainable, low-carbon packaging solutions across industries.
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