Helsinki, Finland 14 December 2015 -- Stora Enso invests in pellet production at Ala Sawmill in Sweden. This is in line with the group's strategy to grow in high value added wood products and to focus on integrated production.

Stora Enso will invest EUR 16 million to start pellet production and to renew the boiler at Ala Sawmill in Sweden. The investment allows the group to turn the sawdust - a by-product at the sawmill - into pellets, a high value source for renewable energy. The integrated pellet production at the sawmill will secure the best product quality and manufacturing efficiency, while the investment in the boiler will improve the cost efficiency and environmental performance of the mill. Pellet production is estimated to start during the second quarter of 2017.

Stora Enso will also invest EUR 10 million to renew the boiler at its Honkalahti Sawmill in Finland, in order to achieve cost savings and improve the environmental performance of the mill.

Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wood and paper on global markets. Our aim is to replace non-renewable materials by innovating and developing new products and services based on wood and other renewable materials. We employ some 27 000 people in more than 35 countries, and our sales in 2014 were EUR 10.2 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm AB (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA as ADRs (SEOAY) on the International OTCQX over-the-counter market.