Stora Enso enters partnership to develop its formed fibre offering

Stora Enso has entered into a collaboration with HS Manufacturing Group (HSMG) to develop sustainable barriers for formed fibre products.

The partnership will see Stora Enso leverage HSMG’s PROTĒAN technology for food contact packaging applications. The technology offers a biodegradable and recyclable additive that gives fibre-based packaging water-, grease- and oil-resistant properties.

Stora Enso will apply the PROTĒAN barrier technology to its renewable and recyclable PureFiber product offering, The PureFiber technology enables the manufacture of single-use products that are renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and plastic-free.

The PROTĒAN technology barrier coating can be applied to produce a range of cellulose-based paper products, including single-use food service items.

“The technology partnership paves the way for meeting the needs of customers and consumers looking for more eco-friendly solutions,” said Sohrab Kazemahvazi, vice president, head of formed fibre at Stora Enso.

“Through this collaboration, we can design next-generation barrier properties which allow us to tap into new application areas for plastic-free products.”

Samuel Mikail, chairman of HSMG, added: “Stora Enso’s respected leadership as a renewable materials company and outstanding reputation in product design and innovation provide a perfect opportunity to broaden the introduction of PROTĒAN as a sustainable alternative to legacy technologies.”

Earlier this year, Stora Enso announced a €5 million investment to build a new production line and related infrastructure to manufacture formed fibre products at its Hylte Mill facility in Sweden.