Matti Lielahti - Head of BU Oulu Stora Enso
Stora Enso’s Oulu business unit hosts Finland’s first pulp mill to achieve FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification), strengthening food safety assurance across the entire value chain for packaging customers. For customers, the certification and its systematic approach provide added assurance: processes are audited, risk management is systematic, and food safety is integrated into daily operations.
The internationally recognized certification demonstrates that the food safety management system at Stora Enso’s Oulu mill meets the stringent requirements of the food safety standard, now also in pulp production. The mill’s kraftliner production received this certification in 2021, and folding boxboard production in 2025 when production on the new consumer board line began. The certification marks another milestone in Oulu mill’s transformation into one of Europe's most advanced integrated packaging materials sites. As demand for renewable packaging continues to grow, customers increasingly require materials that combine performance, safety and sustainability.
“This certification demonstrates the high standards we apply throughout our production process and provides customers with additional confidence in the quality, safety and reliability of the materials they use. Achieving certification for pulp production is a unique milestone in Finland. All products are suitable for direct food contact. In addition, the Oulu mill pulp meets the requirements of the composting standard,” says Matti Lielahti, Head of Stora Enso’s Oulu business unit.
Stora Enso’s Oulu mill utilises most of its pulp on its own board machines. The board produced in Oulu is made from virgin fiber, supporting high quality and purity requirements, especially for food packaging. The certification is reflected in the mill’s daily operations through strict hygiene practices, systematic risk management, unified procedures, and strong expertise at all stages of production.
“Achieving these milestones reflects the commitment and strong expertise of our team as well as our desire to continuously develop and improve our operations,” says Lielahti.Since May 2026, the entire production chain in Oulu — from the pulp mill to the board machines, sheeting plant, and port terminal — has been covered by the new, demanding certification.
Stora Enso’s Oulu mill produces folding boxboard, kraftliners, paper bag material, and unbleached softwood pulp. The boards are suitable for direct contact with food. Nearly all of the mill’s production is exported.
Stora Enso is a global leader in renewable materials with a strong focus on packaging. Our purpose is to replace non-renewable materials with renewable solutions. Together with our customers, we design and deliver competitive, high-quality packaging materials and solutions, made from fresh and recycled fibers, accelerating the transition to a circular bioeconomy. Stora Enso has approximately 19,000 employees and our sales in 2025 were EUR 9.3 billion. www.storaenso.com.