Stora Enso’s Papira® cellulose foam is gaining traction as a renewable alternative to traditional fossil-based foams, following validation by Thorlabs Sweden AB and packaging converter Emballageteknik for the protection of sensitive optical and electronic equipment during global shipping.
The bio-based material, made from wood fibers, provides shock absorption and dust-free handling without plastics. It is recyclable in paper streams and biodegradable, supporting circular packaging systems while meeting the performance requirements of high-precision applications.
Precision protection without compromise
Thorlabs Sweden designs and manufactures advanced photonics components for research and industrial markets, where packaging performance is critical. Even minor shocks or contamination during transport can compromise sensitive equipment.
To address these risks, Thorlabs Sweden partnered with Emballageteknik and Stora Enso to develop Papira®-based packaging solutions tailored to high-stakes shipments. Real-world testing and operational use confirmed consistent performance, with products shipped globally and delivered without damage.
“Protection and cleanliness are critical for us,” said Olle Rosenqvist, Development Manager at Thorlabs Sweden AB. “Papira® has demonstrated that bio-based materials can meet our technical requirements while supporting our sustainability objectives.”
Converter expertise supports scalability
Emballageteknik translated Papira® into production-ready packaging inserts through design optimization and process engineering. This converting expertise ensured both technical performance and efficient manufacturing at scale.
The material’s properties—including the absence of static electricity and compatibility with water-based adhesives—support manufacturability and assembly compared with petroleum-based foams such as polyethylene or expanded polystyrene.
“Papira® performs well as shock protection and represents a strong bio-based alternative when material innovation is combined with converting know-how,” said Lucas Pontén, Sustainability & Quality Manager at Emballageteknik.
Bio-innovation aligned with industrial requirements
Papira® is produced from renewable wood fibers sourced from sustainably managed forests and manufactured without plastics. The material aligns with regulatory and market efforts to reduce reliance on fossil-based packaging while maintaining protection levels comparable to conventional foam solutions.
“This collaboration demonstrates that bio-based materials can protect sensitive technology in demanding industrial applications,” said Juulia Kuhlman, Director of Business Development for New Fiber Products at Stora Enso. “Working with Emballageteknik and Thorlabs Sweden shows how sustainability and performance can be addressed simultaneously.”
The collaboration positions Papira® as a viable solution for electronics and optics packaging and illustrates how value chain partnerships can translate material innovation into industrial-scale, performance-driven applications.
Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, and wood construction. The company focuses on replacing fossil-based materials with wood-based alternatives and is one of the world’s largest private forest owners. In 2024, Stora Enso employed approximately 19,000 people and reported group sales of EUR 9 billion. Its shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki and Nasdaq Stockholm.
Source: Stora Enso
