Stora Enso reconfigures packaging divisions

Stora Enso, Helsinki, plans to merge its containerboard business in the Packaging Solutions division with the Consumer Board division to create a new Packaging Materials division. The remaining business in Packaging Solutions along with Stora Enso’s recently created fiber unit will form a more focused Packaging Solutions division, the company reports in a news release on this reorganization.

The change will be effective on Jan. 1, 2020. With this transition, Hannu Kasurinen will be appointed executive vice president and head of Packaging Materials as of Jan. 1. According to Stora Enso, Kasurinen was previously senior vice president of Liquid Packaging and Carton Board in the Consumer Board division at the company. He has held several leadership positions in Stora Enso, including group treasurer, senior vice president of strategy and executive vice president of the Wood Products division.

“I am looking forward to continuing to build our Packaging Materials business together with our customers. Circularity is an integral part of Stora Enso’s business and a key driver for our product development. We will continue to innovate and answer consumers’ expectations for renewable, recyclable, fiber-based packaging materials with a low carbon footprint,” Kasurinen says about the new position.

In addition, Gilles van Nieuwenhuyzen will leave his position as executive vice president of Packaging Solutions Dec. 6 to pursue new career opportunities outside of the company. Stora Enso reports that the search for a new divisional head for Packaging Solutions will be initiated. David Ekberg, currently senior vice president and head of the Business Unit Corrugated Nordics in the division, is temporarily taking on the role acting as head of Packaging Solutions as of Dec. 6. 

“I thank Gilles van Nieuwenhuyzen for his valuable contributions in developing our packaging business during his years with Stora Enso,” says Stora Enso President and CEO Annica Bresky. 

She continues, “As the development towards a circular bioeconomy is accelerating in society, we are creating an organization that further strengthens our ability to drive innovation and sustainability with a common agenda. The Packaging Materials division will provide an even stronger customer offering for converters, brand owners and retailers containing both virgin and recycled board material. For Packaging Solutions, we are increasing our focus on growing new services and packaging solutions as well as innovation collaborations throughout the value chain for developing new renewable packaging. One example is our new formed fiber business, which will be included in the Packaging Solutions division. We will also be able to focus more on renewable packaging design.”