Unbleached kraft pulp for electrical insulation paper: what’s improved in Nova E
Nova E, Stora Enso’s premium-grade unbleached kraft pulp, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past year. “We’ve jumped into the top category for basically all of the quality parameters we follow,” says Product Director Eero Ollila. “Development has been rapid, and we’re now meeting customer requirements in a tailored way for different end uses.”
Nova E is engineered for demanding electrical insulation applications, including transformer boards and capacitor papers. Its high purity, low electrical conductivity, and mechanical strength make it a reliable choice for manufacturers seeking long-lasting performance.
Flexible solutions for electrical insulation paper manufacturers
A recent key improvement of Nova E is its ability to be optimised for different end uses in electrical insulation. “We have adjusted our pulping processes to meet the specific requirements of our customers,” explains Ollila. “Some applications call for ultra-low sodium content, while for other applications, a low overall metal ions content – purity level – is more important. That’s why we have worked closely with customers to find the best possible balance for their specific application needs.”
This adaptability allows Nova E to support a wide range of applications and customer needs. For example, high voltage transformers require a low sodium level for long-term insulation performance, while capacitor papers might require ultra-high overall purity levels to meet the rigorous demands of end uses.
Benchmarking against the best
Recent benchmarking studies confirm Nova E’s strong market position. “When you look at all the attributes combined, we’re hitting the top category,” says Niilo Härmä, Vice President for Stora Enso’s UKP segment.
Customers are already seeing the benefits, particularly in conductivity, a critical property for insulation performance. Moreover, too high metal ion content can weaken insulating properties, shorten the service life of components and increase the risk of electrical failures. By ensuring high purity and low conductivity, Nova E helps manufacturers deliver insulation materials that are reliable and durable in demanding electrical environments.
Supporting customers every step of the way
Stora Enso’s commitment to quality extends beyond the Nova E product itself. The team supports customers throughout the approval and integration process. “Quality approval is usually a long process,” Ollila notes. “First, we provide lab samples for testing. If requirements are met, we move to production trials. We support customers at every step, from lab analysis to production trials and commercial cooperation.”
Härmä adds, “Our commercial organisation is high-performing and close to customers, collaborating through the value chain, including grid operators and end customers. And because Stora Enso has decades of experience and research in the pulp industry, we can use that knowledge to help our customers succeed and create real value for them.”
Meeting the demands of a growing market
The market for electrical papers and boards is expanding rapidly, driven by global electrification trends. “Growth for transformer boards is double digits – more than 10% for the next five years, globally,” Härmä shares. “Capacitor papers see similar growth rates. There’s a huge need for transformers, and Nova E is well-positioned to meet this demand.”
Looking ahead, Nova E development will continue. “We continue to refine our product to meet the highest demands, especially for ultra-low sodium levels,” says Ollila. Commercially, Nova E is scaling up rapidly, with sales for 2026 already three times higher than in 2025.
