Stora Enso’s integrated production facility in Oulu has become the first pulp mill in Finland to receive FSSC 22000 certification, one of the world’s most widely recognised food safety standards.
The certification now covers pulp production in addition to the site’s existing packaging operations, ensuring that the entire production chain—from pulp manufacturing and cartonboard production to sheeting and port terminal operations—meets internationally recognised food safety requirements.
The achievement marks another step in Stora Enso’s strategy to strengthen its position in the growing market for food packaging materials, where quality, traceability and hygiene requirements continue to become more demanding.
Materials Designed for Direct Food Contact
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification) is a globally recognised framework used throughout the food and packaging industries to ensure products intended for food contact meet strict safety requirements.
According to Stora Enso, all products manufactured at the Oulu facility are suitable for direct food contact applications.
The mill’s unbleached softwood pulp also complies with international compostability standards, supporting the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
“The certification demonstrates that we apply high standards throughout our production process and provides customers with additional assurance regarding the quality, safety and reliability of the materials they use,” said Matti Lielahti, Head of Stora Enso’s Oulu Business Unit.
Entire Value Chain Covered
The pulp mill forms a central part of Stora Enso’s integrated Oulu production complex.
Most of the pulp produced on-site is used internally in the company’s cartonboard operations, where it is converted into folding boxboard, kraftliner and other packaging materials for the food industry.
The mill’s kraftliner production received FSSC 22000 certification in 2021, while folding boxboard production was certified in 2025 following the launch of that business segment.
Since May 2026, the entire production chain at Oulu has been covered by the certification system.
Growing Demand for Fibre-Based Packaging
Global demand for fibre-based packaging continues to rise as food producers and retailers seek alternatives to plastic packaging.
Virgin-fibre products are particularly valued in applications where hygiene, purity and product safety are critical requirements.
In recent years, Stora Enso has invested heavily in developing the Oulu facility as part of its broader strategy to expand its presence in the sustainable packaging market.
Export-Oriented Production
The Oulu mill produces folding boxboard, kraftliner for corrugated packaging, sack paper and unbleached softwood pulp.
Almost all production is exported to international markets.
The certification is therefore expected to strengthen the company’s position among food industry customers, who increasingly require documented quality and food safety systems throughout the supply chain.
Strategic Investment in Competitiveness
For Stora Enso, the certification is more than a quality label. It also serves as a competitive advantage in a market where both regulators and customers are raising standards for food-contact materials.
The company views the certification as part of a broader transition towards more sustainable, traceable and environmentally responsible packaging solutions.
“Achieving these milestones reflects our commitment, the strong expertise of our employees and our ambition to continuously improve and develop our operations,” Lielahti said.
Fact Box:
FSSC 22000
- Internationally recognised food safety certification.
- Approved by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).
- Widely used by food producers and packaging manufacturers worldwide.
- Covers risk management, hygiene procedures, traceability and quality control.
- Requires regular third-party audits.
Stora Enso Oulu Mill
- Produces folding boxboard, kraftliner, sack paper and softwood pulp.
- Almost all production is exported.
- Kraftliner certified under FSSC 22000 in 2021.
- Folding boxboard certified in 2025.
- Pulp production certified in 2026.
Source: Stora Enso.
Fact Check:
FSSC 22000 is among the most widely adopted food safety certification systems globally and is used by thousands of companies across the food and packaging sectors. Certification of pulp production remains relatively uncommon, as food safety standards are typically associated with finished packaging materials rather than upstream pulp manufacturing. Stora Enso’s achievement means that the entire Oulu value chain, from raw pulp to finished packaging board, now operates under the same certified food safety management framework.
