Stora Enso has teamed up with German company Novapor for a pilot project using Papira, a cellulose-based foam packaging material.

The initiative seeks to replace traditional foams with a wood fibre-based alternative that maintains protective qualities while reducing carbon emissions.

Stora Enso Biofoams business development director Juulia Kuhlman said: “Collaborating with Novapor is a natural fit for us. 50 years of experience in developing innovative packaging, they consistently go the extra mile to solve their clients’ challenges.

“This curiosity and drive have been key to the success of our pilot project. The rules and regulations on waste management are strict, but they will be even stricter come 2030. Providing the market with a foam that can be recycled in your regular paper and cardboard stream is a really important benefit.”

Novapor, which focuses on water jet cutting technology, adjusted its processes to handle paper-based foam to meet client requirements.

Its Danish branch, Novapor Nordic, works to deliver packaging solutions to support customers’ environmental objectives.

Novapor is identifying clients where Papira suits both practical and branding purposes.

One pilot project is Københavns Møbelsnedkeri, which needed eco-friendly packaging for its high-end bathroom mirrors, previously cushioned with polyethylene foam.

The company sought a recyclable, wood fibre-based single-material solution compatible with paper and board recycling systems.

The collaboration between Stora Enso and Novapor Nordic started two years ago, with both teams refining the Papira conversion process over this time.

Through consistent testing and aligned environmental goals, the partnership has developed a viable packaging solution, advancing the use of wood-based foams in the sector.

Novapor Nordic head Thomas Søgaard said: “Transitioning to wood fibre-based solutions is an important next step in packaging and monomaterial packaging made entirely of cardboard and paper, rather than plastic combinations, is highly relevant for our client.”

In April this year, Stora Enso launched Performa Nova, a folding boxboard solution for consumer packaging.