Stora Enso debuts new Stockholm innovation centre for biomaterials

Located in Stockholm, Sweden, the Innovation Centre for biomaterials will host research, application, business development and strategic marketing under one roof, according to Stora Enso, a provider of pulp grades for various paper, board and tissue producers. By creating renewable solutions and products from second-generation biomass, such as wood, in order to replace fossil-based products, the centre is addressing societal problems such as climate change, increased urbanisation as well as water and land use issues. Karl-Henrik Sundström, CEO at Stora Enso said that the Innovation Centre in Stockholm is an important step for Stora Enso’s transformation into a renewable materials company as it will help build on worldwide tradition in forestry, which – when coupled with access to sustainable raw materials and our expertise in fibres – can give an excellent starting point for creating solutions that will benefit its customers and end-users in various industries and markets.

Arno van de Ven, SVP, Head of Innovation in Stora Enso’s Biomaterials division said that the company will link its own expertise with leading research centres, universities and business partners.

Currently, there are 40 people working in the centre and it is estimated that by the end of 2017 it will employ around 100 people, recruited both from inside of the company as well as externally. The Innovation Centre covers 4 900 sq m, with a state-of-the art laboratory area of 1 600 sq m, and is located in the greater Stockholm area in Nacka.