Total usage of recovered fibre amounted to 2.4 million tonnes in 2004 (2.1 million tonnes in 2003), resulting in a utilisation rate of 17% (15% in 2003). Stora Enso is among the largest consumers of recovered paper in Europe. In the USA, Stora Enso is a leading user of recovered fibre in the coated paper sector.

The rise in the Group’s recovered fibre consumption was primarily a result of increased usage at Langerbrugge Mill’s newsprint line, which started up in May 2003, and operated throughout 2004. Total recovered fibre consumption will continue to rise in 2005 when the newsprint machine at Langerbrugge reaches its full capacity.

Despite this increase, only about 19% of the Group’s total need for raw material fibre in Europe is currently met by recovered paper. Stora Enso’s production is mainly concentrated close to large sources of fresh fibre in Northern Europe.

Stora Enso regards recovered paper as a strategically important raw material, and the use of recovered fibre is one important cornerstone of the Group’s fibre strategy. Fibre cannot be recycled indefinitely, however, since its quality decreases each time it is processed, so fresh fibre will continue to be needed for most types of paper production.

Stora Enso promotes the recycling of paper products as part of its responsibilities as the manufacturer.