Stora Enso has partnered Krekelberg Flock Products and Flocktechniek - C&B Innovations to create a flocked version of its plastic-free wood foam, Papira.

It turns the material into a three-dimensional substrate with a velvet-like surface.

The project centres on Papira, Stora Enso's lightweight, cellulose-based foam intended as an alternative to traditional plastic foams in protective packaging.

Krekelberg supplied a cellulose-based flock fibre, while Flocktechniek - C&B Innovations handled the flocking step using electrostatic technology to apply the fibres evenly and achieve a uniform tactile finish.

The surface can be tailored in terms of colour, gloss level, patterns and texture.

Krekelberg's flock fibres are based on eucalyptus and designed for use on paper and board.

They are biodegradable and produced with water-based adhesives, Oeko-Tex certified pigments and Forest Stewardship Council-certified fibres.

Flocktechniek - C&B Innovations provided the machinery and process know-how needed to deliver a consistent finish on the cellulose foam substrate.

The development illustrates how renewable raw materials, combined with cooperation between different sectors, can contribute to protective packaging solutions with lower carbon impact and features aligned with circular design principles.

Stora Enso business development director Juulia Kuhlman stated: "Sustainable materials shouldn't limit creativity - they should expand it. This collaboration shows how Papira's renewable fibre structure can be enhanced for completely new surface expressions, demonstrating what's possible when material innovation and design meet."