Stora Enso to Partner With EcoTelligent on Mass Timber Telecommunication Support Structures

On Thursday (9-29-22), Stora Enso and EcoTelligent Oy jointly announced a collaboration that will establish mass timber as the material of choice for telecommunication support structures. The partnership is set to provide an alternative that will reduce the dependency on steel and concrete in telecom masts, through sustainable towers that will naturally blend in with the environment.

Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in wood construction, packaging, biomaterials, and paper, as well as being one of the world’s largest private forest owners. EcoTellignet Oy is a Finish-based company committed to adding renewable wood elements to communication towers.

According to the press release, the 5G and beyond towers will be constructed with laminated veneer lumber (LVL). LVL is a mass timber product that, in proportion to weight, is twice as strong as steel. In addition, the material has a high load-bearing capacity that can easily support telecommunication equipment. And unlike steel and concrete, LVL is relatively lightweight to transport and can be assembled in modules on site without heavy-duty equipment. Furthermore, LVL is a renewal material with a minimal carbon footprint.