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Stora Enso has announced that it is investing €8 million to double its production capacity for formed fibre in Europe. The investment will see the annual formed fibre capacity of the company’s Hylte site in Sweden increase by more than 100% to approximately 115 million units of product. Stora Enso says that formed fibre – which is made using wood pulp – is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. The material can replace plastic in a range of applications, and the company’s formed fibre products are being used in food packaging, including as bowls, trays and lids. “There is a high demand in the market for eco-friendly, circular packaging solutions that replace plastic and other fossil-based materials,” said Sohrab Kazemahvazi, senior vice president, head of formed fibre at Stora Enso. “Our formed fibre offering can help brand owners meet their sustainability targets, while responding to consumers’ demands for a cleaner future. Through our investment and the capacity increase we further improve our position in this growing market.” The company also plans to recruit more than ten employees for formed fibre production in Sweden.