Stora Enso has introduced Ensovelvet, an uncoated solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard designed for high-end packaging applications such as cosmetics, perfumes, and other premium consumer goods.
The material features a velvet-like smoothness on both sides, combining a natural uncoated surface with stiffness and folding reliability. According to the company, the board balances printability with tactile qualities suited to packaging where both touch and appearance are significant.
Ensovelvet expands Stora Enso’s premium cartonboard offering, complementing its established Ensocoat board. Together, the two products create a complete SBS portfolio for brand owners and converters requiring coated and uncoated options. Both materials are recyclable.
The uncoated structure of Ensovelvet requires fewer materials in its production process compared to coated alternatives, which Stora Enso states contributes to a reduced carbon footprint. The launch aligns with a broader industry shift toward recyclable and renewable packaging materials that address sustainability requirements while maintaining premium performance.
With its uncoated finish, Ensovelvet is positioned to support luxury brands seeking packaging that emphasizes minimalism and natural textures. This trend reflects demand for packaging that not only protects products but also enhances their visual and tactile impact at the point of sale.
Tomas Larsson, Head of Product Line FBB, SBS, Liner, and Book Paper at Stora Enso, said: “Luxury packaging is about more than protection. It’s about creating an impression. Ensovelvet gives brand owners a material with a distinctive, natural surface that helps their products stand out in a crowded marketplace. By adding it alongside Ensocoat, we now offer a complete SBS range that meets today’s design trends and tomorrow’s performance demands.”