FINLAND – Stora Enso, a global leader in renewable materials, has introduced Optima RF (Recycled Fiber), a new addition to its Optima paper line.
Designed to meet the evolving needs of the retail and e-commerce sectors, Optima RF incorporates a 50/50 blend of fresh and recycled fibers.
This innovation addresses increasing market demand for sustainable materials without sacrificing performance or quality.
Optima RF is tailored for applications such as shopping bags and mailer envelopes, providing an eco-friendly alternative for businesses aiming to enhance circularity in their operations.
The product also meets strict certifications for food contact, broadening its versatility for grocery, takeaway, and other consumer goods packaging.
Artur Jerzylo, Head of Product Line at Stora Enso, emphasized the significance of this launch, “With impending regulations sharpening the focus on sustainable practices, Optima RF represents our continued commitment to circular, fiber-based solutions.
“This innovation supports our customers in navigating regulatory changes while achieving their circularity goals without compromising on performance.”
Optima RF is available in a range of 70–110 GSM, making it suitable for various use cases across retail and e-commerce.
Wilfa and Stora Enso collaborate on eco-friendly packaging for ProBaker
Stora Enso has also partnered with Norwegian brand Wilfa to develop a wood-based packaging solution for the ProBaker kitchen mixer, a product designed for advanced home bakers.
The collaboration demonstrates how sustainable materials can combine functionality with elegant design.
The packaging reduces environmental impact while maintaining superior product protection. It uses a mix of Papira—Stora Enso’s biobased and biodegradable foam—and corrugated board.
Papira is sourced from sustainably managed forests and features high shock-absorbing qualities, making it ideal for safeguarding heavy items like the 15kg ProBaker.
Wilfa’s Category Director, Arnt Sandvik Nilsen, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, “When Stora Enso reached out to us with Papira, it was a perfect match for the ProBaker.
“With its solid construction and included accessories, we aimed to test this innovative packaging with the goal of reducing and reusing materials.”
The new packaging reduces foam usage by 50% and decreases overall box volume by 11%, leading to lower emissions and logistical costs, including palletizing, storage, and shipping.
The packaging’s protective inserts passed the ISTA 3A drop test, ensuring reliable transit protection.
Stora Enso’s packaging designer, Kristīne Biteniece, noted, “This collaboration showcases how designing with Papira not only enhances product protection but also elevates the unboxing experience, capturing the luxury and quality of the product.”
Stora Enso plans to expand from pilot projects to industrial-scale implementation of Papira-based solutions, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and sustainability in packaging.
These initiatives highlight Stora Enso’s dedication to addressing sustainability challenges with practical, high-performance solutions, paving the way for a greener future in packaging.
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