Sustainability

At Stora Enso in De Lier, we are working to reduce the environmental impact of our operations. In doing so, we focus on areas such as material use, energy consumption, recycling, logistics and the efficient use of raw materials. In addition to complying with applicable laws and regulations, we implement various measures within our production processes and business operations. On this page, we describe a number of these activities.

Corrugated cardboard is a fibre-based packaging material consisting mainly of paper made from wood fibres. We use paper, adhesive and inks in the production of corrugated cardboard. The adhesive used in our corrugated cardboard production is water- and starch-based. We use water-based inks for printing. Furthermore, we work with FSC-certified raw materials within the scope of our certification. FSC certification supports the traceability of raw materials and responsible forest management within the FSC system.

In North-West Europe, there are extensive systems in place for the collection and recycling of paper and cardboard. Paper and cardboard fibres can be recovered after use and reused as raw materials for new paper and cardboard products. Actual recycling depends on factors such as the composition of the packaging, the presence of other materials and the available collection and recycling systems in the relevant market.
Wood fibres contain biogenic carbon. This remains stored in paper and cardboard products during their use phase until the material decomposes or is processed at the end of its life.
Corrugated cardboard is used in various applications for the protection, storage and distribution of products within the supply chain.

At our factory, we are constantly working to improve the efficiency of our processes. Over the years, various measures have been implemented, including the use of LED lighting, motion sensors, improved insulation and the reuse of residual heat from production processes. In addition, part of the electricity required is generated by solar panels on our buildings. Some of our internal logistics processes have also been automated. Where technically feasible, forklift trucks are being replaced with alternatives that meet the company’s operational requirements.

When developing new packaging, we consider material usage, packaging designs and product performance. Our packaging developers investigate how packaging can be tailored to production, storage and transport processes. This involves the use of test facilities and laboratory research to assess new and existing designs. We are also working on the standardisation and optimisation of packaging solutions to organise processes more efficiently.

Raw materials, waste streams and circularity

In our business operations, we strive to use raw materials and other materials as efficiently as possible. Paper waste from the production process is collected separately and sent for further processing. Other waste streams are also collected separately and sent to designated processors. Within production, various water streams are reused wherever technically feasible. In addition, heat from certain processes is reused for other applications within the factory.

Transport and logistics

For the delivery of raw materials and products, we utilise a logistics network spanning several European countries. When planning transport operations, we aim to combine journeys efficiently so that available transport capacity is utilised as effectively as possible. Drivers receive training in driving behaviour and safety. Furthermore, the vehicle fleet is periodically renewed and adapted to comply with applicable technical and environmental requirements.

Our approach

Sustainability is a key part of how we view our business operations and packaging solutions. That is why we continue to work on improvements in the areas of material use, energy, recycling, logistics and production processes. We believe it is important to communicate about this as transparently as possible and to keep our information up to date and well-founded.