Stora Enso opens biomaterials innovation center in Sweden

Located in Stockholm, Sweden, the innovation center for biomaterials will host research, application, business development and strategic marketing under one roof. By creating materials and products from second-generation biomass, such as wood, in order to replace fossil-based products, Stora Enso said the center is addressing issues such as climate change and increased urbanization, as well as water and land use.

The innovation center covers 4,900 sq m, with a state-of-the art laboratory area of 1,600 sq m. Currently, there are 40 people working in the center and it is estimated that by the end of 2017 it will employ around 100 people.

Stora Enso CEO Karl-Henrik Sundström said: ‘The innovation center in Stockholm is another important step on the road to Stora Enso’s transformation into a renewable materials company. It will help us build on our long, worldwide tradition in forestry, which – when coupled with access to sustainable raw materials and our expertise in fibres – gives us an excellent starting point for creating solutions that will benefit our customers and end-users in various industries and markets.’

Stora Enso recently opened an innovation center for packaging at the group’s head office in Helsinki, which has been established to create a place for innovation and R&D work, and create customer value through strategic packaging that can drive sales, while also reducing environmental impact and total cost.

Of the innovation center in Stockholm, Arno van de Ven, senior vice president and head of innovation of Stora Enso’s biomaterials division, added: ‘Specifically, the center will help to boost innovation by identifying business opportunities in the markets for renewable materials and bio-based chemicals. We will link our own expertise with leading research centres, universities and business partners.’