Stora Enso creates new packaging materials division

Stora Enso has announced plans to create a new packaging materials division, as of 1 January 2020, which will also create changes to the board.

The Finland-based company will merge its container board business in its packaging solutions division with its consumer board division, creating a new packaging materials unit.

As a result of the move, the remaining business in packaging solutions together with Stora Enso’s recently created formed fibre unit, will constitute a more focused packaging solutions division.

“The packaging materials division will provide an even stronger customer offering for converters, brand owners and retailers containing both virgin and recycled board material,” said Stora Enso President and CEO Annica Bresky.

Bresky added: “For packaging solutions, we are increasing our focus on growing new services and packaging solutions as well as innovation collaborations throughout the value chain for developing new renewable packaging. One example is our new formed fibre business, which will be included in the packaging solutions division. We will also be able to focus more on renewable packaging design.”

As part of the change, the packaging and paper manufacturer has also appointed Hannu Kasurinen as executive vice-president and head of the consumer board with immediate effect. As of 1 January 2020, Kasurinen will also serve as executive vice-president and head of packaging materials.

Previously, Kasurinen has served as SVP of liquid packaging and carton board in the consumer board division and has held several leadership positions at Stora Enso including group treasurer, SVP of strategy and EVP of the wood products division.

Kasurinen said: “I am looking forward to continuing to build our packaging materials business together with our customers. Circularity is an integral part of Stora Enso’s business and a key driver for our product development. We will continue to innovate and answer consumers’ expectations for renewable, recyclable, fibre-based packaging materials with a low carbon footprint.”

Gilles van Nieuwenhuyzen will leave his position as executive vice-president of packaging solutions, and current SVP and head of corrugated nordics in the division will take on the role as acting head of packaging solutions during the transition.