Stora Enso has launched the production of wood fiber-based biocomposite : an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. Now, the company has invested in a completely new packaging line from Vebe.
“We are satisfied. The line is both flexible and easy to clean,” says Carl Ternström at Stora Enso.
Europe’s largest facility for wood fiber-based biocomposite is located at Hyltebruk, just outside Halmstad. The investment is part of Stora Enso’s transformation to focus on renewable materials.
The goal is to replace fossil-based materials with wood-based, renewable materials as much as possible and pave the way for a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
“The biocomposite that we manufacture is a mixture of wood fiber and polymers. It’s a product that can replace many different types of plastic. We sell granules:tiny balls of 4 millimeters,” explains Carl Ternström.
When Stora Enso increased its production volume of biocomposite a few years ago, they chose to invest in a packaging line from Vebe.
“Vebe has installed a line with the bag filler Autopac EC 4.38, palletizer, wrapping machine and transport system.
“It’s a clear-cut solution that makes it easy to get an overview and follow the actual packaging process. Furthermore, the line is easy to clean,” says Carl Ternström.
He adds that Stora Enso chose Vebe’s packaging solution for several reasons.
Among other things, due to the flexibility of the line and to the fact that Vebe was able to handle the entire packaging process.
“We are satisfied. It has worked well with both installation and service, and we have good communication”, he says.
The biocomposite that Stora Enso sells is used in many different types of products, such as kitchen utensils, packaging, plastic pallets and clothes hangers. The material is asmoldable as plastic and as pliable as wood.
“The biocomposite becomes stronger and stiffer than plastic and withstands heat better. This is a sustainable alternative and an effective way to become more environmentally friendly,” says Carl Ternström.
