Long-term collaboration, industrial scalability and future-ready materials are driving the next chapter in sustainable panel production.
When Koskisen launched its Zero product family together with Stora Enso’s NeoLigno® binder in 2022, the ambition was clear: to challenge conventional wood panel production with a safer and more sustainable alternative.

Today, as the wood products industry prepares for increasingly stringent formaldehyde regulations and growing customer expectations around healthy materials, that early decision looks more relevant than ever.

The collaboration between Koskisen and Stora Enso has now entered a new phase with the launch of Zero Flooring board/construction board — a new board within the Zero family designed for more demanding applications while maintaining the same formaldehyde-free profile.

Unlike conventional fossil-based binders, NeoLigno® is a bio-based binder derived from lignin, one of the main components naturally found in wood. The resulting Zero panels are free from added formaldehyde and other harmful compounds, offering a future-ready alternative for furniture and interior applications.

“What makes this collaboration unique is that it has moved far beyond innovation pilots. Together with Koskisen, we have demonstrated that formaldehyde-free panels can work in large-scale industrial production while meeting high performance expectations,” says Tuomo Heikkinen, VP, Head of Bio-Based Chemicals at Stora Enso Biomaterials.

For Koskisen, the launch of the original Zero Panel marked an important strategic step toward more sustainable and healthier material solutions. Since then, market interest has continued to grow as awareness around indoor air quality and upcoming regulation increases.

“We saw early on that the market was moving toward safer and more sustainable materials. With Zero, we wanted to offer customers a genuinely different alternative — without compromising on quality or performance. The continued development of the Zero family shows that this direction is here to stay,” says Riitta Ahokas, RDI Manager at Koskisen.

The introduction of Zero Flooring board/construction board demonstrates how the collaboration continues to evolve through product development and shared innovation ambitions. It also reflects a broader shift within the industry, where manufacturers are increasingly looking for renewable and lower-emission material solutions.

As regulatory pressure grows across Europe, both companies believe the transition toward formaldehyde-free materials will accelerate further.

For Stora Enso, the partnership with Koskisen also serves as an important example of how renewable raw materials can enable industrial transformation in practice — not just in theory.

“This is a great example of how collaboration across the value chain can create real market change. Koskisen has shown strong commitment and courage in bringing new solutions to market early,” says Tuomo Heikkinen.

With the Zero family continuing to expand, the partnership remains focused on developing solutions that combine performance, sustainability and healthier living environments for the future.

Source: storaenso.com