Stora Enso collaborates with HSMG on plant-based barrier coatings and fiber packaging

In Finland, Stora Enso entered into a strategic collaboration with HS Manufacturing Group, producer of plant-based barrier coatings, to develop Stora Enso’s formed fiber offering. Stora Enso will leverage HSMG’s PROTĒAN technology for food contact packaging applications. The technology offers a biodegradable and recyclable additive that gives fiber-based packaging water-, grease- and oil-resistant properties.

Stora Enso will apply the PROTĒAN barrier technology to its renewable and recyclable PureFiber by Stora Enso product offering. The PureFiber technology from Stora Enso enables the manufacture of single-use products that are renewable, recyclable, biodegradable and plastic free. The PROTĒA technology barrier coating can be applied to produce a wide range of cellulose-based paper products, including single-use food service items.

Earlier this year Stora Enso announced a EUR 5 million investment to build a new production line and related infrastructure to manufacture formed fiber products at Hylte Mill in Sweden. The first products will be available on the market at the beginning of 2020, targeting packaging for fast food restaurants.