Stora Enso

Corporate brand

A Finnish-Swedish renewable materials company developing wood-based products for packaging, construction, biomaterials, pulp, paper and forestry.

Last updated August 31, 2026

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Overview

Stora Enso Oyj is a Finnish-Swedish forest-industry company whose products are primarily derived from wood and other renewable biomass. The group supplies materials and solutions for packaging, construction, pulp, paper, forestry and emerging biomaterials applications. Its customer base spans consumer-goods companies, converters, retailers, printers, builders and industrial users, with most sales and production historically concentrated in Europe and additional operations or partnerships in Asia and South America. The present company was created in 1998 through the merger of Sweden’s Stora AB and Finland’s Enso Oyj. The combination brought together two long-established forest and industrial businesses. Stora’s corporate lineage is commonly traced to Stora Kopparberg and a preserved share certificate dated 1288, while Enso’s roots extend to nineteenth-century sawmilling and forestry operations founded by Wilh. Gutzeit & Co. in Norway and Finland. The merged group inherited extensive forestry, pulp, paper, packaging and wood-products activities and subsequently reorganized its portfolio as demand for traditional graphic paper declined. During the early 2000s, Stora Enso pursued international expansion, including the major acquisition of Consolidated Papers in North America and investments in Europe, China and South America. The North American business was later divested after substantial losses, and the company underwent mill closures, asset sales and restructuring. From the mid-2000s onward, the relative importance of paper fell while packaging, wood products and biomaterials became central to the group’s strategy. Stora Enso increasingly presented itself as a provider of renewable alternatives to fossil-based plastics, mineral-intensive construction materials and petroleum-derived chemical inputs. Its portfolio includes pulp and lignin, paperboard for food and consumer packaging, corrugated packaging and packaging machinery, printing and office paper, sawn and engineered wood products, forest management and wood supply services, and wood-derived biomaterials. Examples of innovation initiatives have included Lineo lignin, DuraSense biocomposites, the EcoFishBox cardboard packaging concept and biodegradable drinking-straw prototypes. The company also participates in joint ventures such as Veracel in Brazil and Montes del Plata in Uruguay. Stora Enso remains a publicly listed company with headquarters in Helsinki. It operates mainly in Europe, with substantial activity or personnel in countries including Finland, Sweden, China, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Brazil and Uruguay. Hans Sohlström became chief executive in 2023. The company’s stated strategic direction emphasizes renewable packaging, sustainable construction, biomaterials and responsible forest management, although its history also includes controversies involving competition law, accounting allegations, restructuring impacts and environmental and social criticism surrounding forestry investments.

History

Stora Enso combines the histories of two northern European industrial groups. Stora’s lineage reaches back to Stora Kopparberg’s copper-mining operations in Falun, Sweden. A preserved ownership certificate from 1288 is frequently cited as the oldest surviving share certificate. The enterprise received formal recognition through a royal charter in 1347. Copper dominated its early business, followed by iron ore and other mining activities. During the nineteenth century, Stora diversified into pulp and paper, and by the twentieth century it had largely shifted away from mining toward forestry and forest products. Its name was shortened to Stora AB in 1984; the Falun copper mine closed in 1992. Enso’s roots were formed through the Gutzeit family’s sawmilling activities. Wilh. Gutzeit & Co. began operating in Finland in the 1870s, with a sawmill at Kotka. The company expanded through acquisitions, added board and pulp capabilities, and became fully state-owned after Finland acquired its shares in 1918. Its headquarters moved to Helsinki in 1924, and the business became Enso-Gutzeit in 1928. Major industrial development included the Kaukopää pulp mill at Imatra, opened in the 1930s, and the Summa paper mill, brought into use in the 1950s. Enso acquired forest-industry assets from A. Ahlström and Tampella and merged with Veitsiluoto in the 1990s, becoming Enso Oyj in 1996. Stora and Enso merged in 1998. The new group expanded in wood products, paper distribution, packaging and international forestry. Its 2000 acquisition of Consolidated Papers in North America was strategically unsuccessful and was followed by divestment of the North American operations in 2007. Stora Enso also closed or sold facilities in Finland, Sweden and Germany, making restructuring and employment a recurring issue in the company’s public profile. The company’s strategic emphasis changed as electronic communication reduced demand for graphic paper and packaging demand grew. It developed operations and partnerships in China, South America and other markets, including Veracel in Brazil and Montes del Plata in Uruguay. It invested in packaging materials, biomaterials, lignin, wood construction and composite products while reducing paper’s share of the business. The group also explored digital and intelligent packaging, including RFID-related applications, and joined Combient in 2018 to cooperate with other Nordic companies on artificial intelligence, automation and data technologies. In 2020 Stora Enso created a Forest division combining forest assets and wood-supply activities. It announced the sale of its ECO RFID tag technology in 2021 and proposed the sale of four paper mills in 2022. Its current identity is therefore broader than a conventional paper manufacturer: it is positioned as a renewable materials company, while retaining substantial pulp, paper, forestry and wood-products operations. The company moved its Helsinki headquarters to the wooden Katajanokan Laituri building, completed for use in the mid-2020s. Hans Sohlström has led the company since 2023.

2023
Hans Sohlström becomes CEO
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Hans Sohlström took over as president and chief executive officer.
2020
Forest division created
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Forest assets and wood-supply operations were consolidated into a dedicated Forest division.
2018
Combient research venture established
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Stora Enso joined 23 other Finnish and Swedish companies in Combient for research and knowledge sharing in digital technologies.
2009
Montes del Plata partnership
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Stora Enso and Arauco created the Montes del Plata joint venture in Uruguay.
2000
Consolidated Papers acquisition
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Stora Enso acquired Consolidated Papers in North America, significantly expanding its paper and pulp footprint.
1998
Stora Enso is created
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Stora AB and Enso Oyj merged to form Stora Enso.
1996
Enso Oyj is formed
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Enso-Gutzeit and Veitsiluoto were combined into Enso Oyj.
1935
Kaukopää mill begins construction
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Enso began developing the Kaukopää pulp mill at Imatra, then one of Europe’s largest sulfate-pulp projects.
1918
Enso becomes Finnish state-owned
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Finland acquired the shares of Gutzeit, bringing the company under full state ownership.
1872
Gutzeit establishes Finnish sawmilling operations
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Wilh. Gutzeit & Co. began operating a sawmill at Kotka, an important predecessor of Enso.
1862
Stora becomes a modern shareholder company
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags AB was incorporated as a modern joint-stock company.
Earliest preserved Stora ownership certificate
[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
A surviving certificate records an ownership interest in Stora Kopparberg’s mining enterprise and is widely regarded as the oldest preserved share certificate.

Products and positioning

A global renewable materials company using wood and biomass to provide alternatives for packaging, construction, paper and industrial applications.

Pulp and wood-based chemicals
Biomaterials
The Biomaterials business supplies market pulp and develops products extracted from wood and other biomass. Its portfolio includes lignin and other renewable inputs intended for use in applications such as adhesives, coatings and chemical processes that traditionally rely on fossil-based or petrochemical materials.
Paperboard
Packaging Materials
Stora Enso produces paperboard grades for dry and liquid food, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and other packaging applications. The materials are designed for conversion into cartons, cups, trays and related formats, and also include board used in graphic-printing applications.
Packaging systems
Packaging Solutions
This business provides corrugated board, converted packaging, boxes and associated equipment and services. It serves companies that need both packaging substrates and production or converting capabilities, linking renewable fiber materials with finished transport and consumer-packaging formats.
Printing and office paper
Paper
The Paper division supplies papers for commercial printing, publishing, office use and related professional applications. It also offers services connected with paper supply and print-industry procurement. Although strategically less dominant than in the past, paper remains part of the group’s portfolio.
Construction materials
Wood Products
The Wood Products business sells sawn timber and engineered wood materials for construction, interiors, furniture and industrial uses. It supports the company’s strategy of developing renewable construction products and increasing the use of wood in place of more carbon-intensive materials.
Lignin biomaterial
Lineo
Lineo is a lignin product developed as a renewable industrial input. It can be used in applications including adhesives and is positioned as an alternative to some phenol-based materials derived from fossil resources.
Biocomposites
DuraSense
DuraSense is a wood-fiber biocomposite concept that combines renewable fibers with polymer matrices. It is intended for molded and durable applications where wood-based content can replace part of the fossil-based plastic material.
Fiber packaging · 2017
EcoFishBox
EcoFishBox is a cardboard-based packaging concept developed as an alternative to expanded-polystyrene boxes used to transport fresh fish. The concept illustrates Stora Enso’s effort to apply fiber materials to demanding cold-chain logistics.

Controversies

2014
Environmental and social criticism of Guangxi operations
Stora Enso faced criticism and allegations related to environmental and social impacts associated with plantation and mill development in Guangxi, China. The subject has been discussed in reporting and advocacy materials concerning land, forestry and local communities.
Source
2010
Allegations concerning North American accounting
A Swedish television documentary reported allegations that accounting practices had obscured losses connected with the North American business sale and that dividend payments may have been supported by manipulated figures. The allegations were publicly disputed and the reference material does not establish a final finding resolving every claim.
Source
2001
Paper cartel fine
Stora Enso and Metsä Group were fined €500,000 for forming a cartel. The matter became a competition-law controversy associated with the company’s paper business.
Source

2018RFID-enabled retail solution
Europe
In cooperation with Atos, Stora Enso presented a retail concept connecting in-store and online shopping through RFID-enabled e-kiosks.
Outcome. Illustrated the company’s interest in intelligent packaging and digitally enabled retail services.
Source
2017EcoFishBox
Europe · Global
The EcoFishBox concept promoted fiber-based transport packaging for fresh fish as an alternative to polystyrene boxes.
Outcome. Helped demonstrate the packaging innovation strategy; the reference material does not establish a comprehensive campaign performance result.
Source
2017Lineo lignin commercialization
Global
Stora Enso highlighted industrial-scale lignin supply under the Lineo name, positioning the product as a renewable alternative for selected adhesive and chemical applications.
Outcome. Expanded the company’s biomaterials narrative beyond pulp and paper.
Source
Renewable materials positioning
Global
Stora Enso has consistently communicated a corporate platform centered on renewable materials, presenting wood-based packaging, construction products and biomaterials as alternatives to fossil-derived or more resource-intensive materials.
Outcome. Supports the company’s repositioning from a traditional paper producer toward a broader renewable materials group.
Source

Brand decisions

2022
Plan sale of four paper millsStrategy
Background
Structural decline in parts of the graphic-paper market encouraged further capacity and portfolio adjustments.
Action taken
Stora Enso announced its intention to sell mills in Anjala, Hylte, Nymölla and Maxau, while indicating that it would continue operating them if buyers were unavailable.
Aftermath
The decision reflected the continuing shift from conventional paper toward packaging, wood products and biomaterials.
Source
2020
Establish Forest divisionStrategy
Background
The group sought to give forest ownership, wood supply and related operations a clearer organizational role.
Action taken
Stora Enso created a Forest division incorporating Swedish forest assets, its interest in Tornator and wood-supply operations in several northern and eastern European markets.
Aftermath
Forest management became a distinct component of the group’s operating model and sustainability positioning.
Source
2017
Sell Bulleh Shah Packaging stakeM&A
Background
The Pakistani packaging joint venture did not fit the group’s continuing portfolio priorities.
Action taken
Stora Enso sold its 35 percent stake back to Packages Ltd.
Aftermath
The sale was reported at a loss of EUR 19 million.
Loss on disposal. EUR 19 million loss (2017)
Source
2009
Create Montes del Plata joint ventureM&A
Background
Stora Enso pursued growth in South American forestry and pulp production.
Action taken
It formed Montes del Plata in Uruguay with Celulosa Arauco y Constitución, with each partner holding 50 percent.
Aftermath
The venture provided access to forestry resources and a large-capacity pulp operation.
Source
2007
Divest North American operationsStrategy
Background
The Consolidated Papers investment had underperformed and the group was reassessing its geographic portfolio.
Action taken
Stora Enso sold its North American operations to NewPage Corporation.
Aftermath
The divestment was associated with a substantial loss and reinforced the company’s subsequent focus on Europe, packaging, wood products and biomaterials.
Reported net loss associated with sale. Approximately US$4.12 billion (2007)
Source
2000
Acquire Consolidated PapersM&A
Background
Stora Enso sought to expand its international pulp and paper presence through a major North American acquisition.
Action taken
The company acquired Consolidated Papers.
Aftermath
The transaction was later widely viewed as a major value-destroying investment, and the North American operations were sold in 2007.
Acquisition value. EUR 4.9 billion (2000)
Source

Recent events

2025
Stora Enso completes acquisition of Junnikkala[3]Stora Enso completes acquisition of Junnikkalanews.cision.com
M&A
The Finnish sawmill acquisition increased wood procurement and sawmilling capacity and was intended to support the Oulu packaging-board site while complementing the wood-products portfolio.
2025
Stora Enso announces review and planned separation of Swedish forest assets[4]Stora Enso announces review and planned separation of Swedish forest assetsstoraenso.com
M&A
The group advanced a strategic review of its Swedish forest holdings and considered separating them into a new publicly listed forest company, with completion timing subject to the company's process and approvals.
2025
Stora Enso announces new reporting structure and financial targets[5]Stora Enso announces new reporting structure and financial targetsmorningstar.com
Other
The company said a revised reporting structure would begin in January 2026 and align disclosure with a stronger focus on renewable materials and packaging.
2023
Hans Sohlström becomes chief executive[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Leadership change
Hans Sohlström succeeded Annica Bresky as chief executive.
2023
Stora Enso completes acquisition of De Jong Packaging Group[6]Stora Enso completes acquisition of De Jong Packaging Groupstoraenso.com
M&A
The acquisition expanded Stora Enso's corrugated-packaging capacity and strengthened its presence in the Benelux, Germany and United Kingdom, particularly in fresh-produce, e-commerce and industrial packaging.
2022
Stora Enso announces sale of four paper mills[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Other
The company announced plans to sell mills in Finland, Sweden and Germany as part of its continuing portfolio transformation.
2021
Ulrika Lilja to leave Group Leadership Team[7]Ulrika Lilja to leave Group Leadership Teamstoraenso.com
Leadership change
Stora Enso announced that its communications and marketing executive would leave the company to join SEB later in the year.
2017
Stora Enso sells stake in Bulleh Shah Packaging[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
M&A
The company sold its Pakistani packaging joint-venture stake back to Packages Ltd. at a reported loss.
2009
Stora Enso enters Montes del Plata joint venture[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
M&A
The company partnered with Arauco in Uruguay to develop a large forestry and pulp venture.
2008
Kemijärvi mill closure sparks Finnish controversy[1]Stora Ensoen.wikipedia.org
Other
The closure of the Kemijärvi plant generated extensive Finnish media and political attention over employment and regional industrial policy.

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