Popularity of snack food is challenging the packaging industry. New types of packs are needed to attract busy consumers. The Langnese-Iglo Micro-Baguette launched on the German market this spring is an excellent example of the new trend in smart packaging, where technology and design go hand in hand. The package won first prize in the TIDA 2003, Trayforma International Design Award competition organised by Stora Enso.

The Swedish Company Hägglunds is to launch its own pump series including its largest pump size ever, with a maximum displacement of 750 cubic centimetres. The product series will be progressively introduced and includes eight basic pump sizes.  This will make it possible to closely adapt the pump to drive speed requirement so optimising the customer's manufacturing process and, together with the company's equipment provide a complete drive solution.

A light and strong board case for photo CDs has been developed by Stora Enso Activation. The packaging solution is reported to offer costs savings coupled with a smarter image for brand owners. This novel packaging solution has been adopted by the leading photographic company, Fujicolor, for its photo CD service.

Ready-to-drink tea is now Japan's most popular soft drink, selling in terms of volume more than fruit juices, carbonated drinks, milk and water. The tea trend seems likely to continue and it contributes to the growth of Stora Enso Consumer Boards and Nippon Paper-Pak on the Japanese markets. Nippon uses Stora Enso´s high barrier board, which is ideal for various aroma and taste sensitive beverages.

PCE Engineering Oy of Toijala, Finland, has announced the successful initial adoption of their ELiPLAN production planning software by High Concrete Structures Inc., the United States' largest producer of precast concrete parking structures. This makes the US company ELiPLAN's major user. Based in Denver, Pennsylvania, High Concrete produces large building components such as double tees, beams and columns. As well as supporting this successful company's production, the planning software has improved information flow and inventory control.

Quicker Pro Stationary is not just any ordinary pump. According to Swedish manufacturer Quickex, the Quicker Pro Stationary is the answer to all cyclists' prayers.For ease of use and speed you can't beat this revolutionary new pump. Unlike others, this pump is mounted firmly on the bike frame and stays there when you use it! Simply flip out the pump, pull out the integral flexible hose connection to the front or rear tire and hey presto! you are ready to pump. No bending or kneeling down required.

Swedish companies, municipalities and regions Hannover, Germany 12-19.3 2003 Hall 11 "Future Parc", stand number D24

The Andrology laboratory at the Sophiahemmet recently became the first such laboratory in Europe to be accredited in accordance with the ISO-standard 17025. This is the international standard for medical laboratories. The routine measures of the laboratory for the examination of sperm samples have received the quality stamp of this accreditation. The control has been carried out by SWEDAC (Board for accreditation and technical control) and the work to gain accreditation has been going on for three years. Chemical and microbiological laboratories have, amongst others previously gained accreditation.

The new insulation cup developed in co-operation by Huhtamaki and Stora Enso Consumer Boards has been well received by airlines. Paper cups and other fibre-based containers have a key role in modern inflight catering concepts in which functionality and recyclability are emphasised. Both Huhtamaki and Stora Enso are expecting increasing demand for paper cups now that air travel is returning to a growth course.

Stora Enso's coated fine paper production plant in Oulu is one of the biggest and most modern manufacturing mills in the world. When the mill underwent expansion it took the opportunity to improve its post-production through the introduction of Rocla Robotrucks's automated guided vehicle system for roll transfers. The benefits of this investment have shown the automated guided vehicle systems versatility in this aspect of the mills operation.