Metsä Group’s innovation subsidiary, Metsä Spring, is enhancing its moulded fibre packaging offerings with the introduction of the new Muoto Laminated Fibre series. This innovative solution, developed in partnership with global packaging leader Amcor, is now transitioning into an industrial testing phase with select clients.
The Muoto Laminated Fibre series builds on the success of the earlier Uncoated Fibre series, which launched in 2024 and garnered positive responses from pilot customers and consumers in takeaway and serving applications.
In early September, the Muoto Twin Uncoated Fibre range received a ScanStar award, a recognition presented annually since 1969 by the Scandinavian Packaging Association, celebrating innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.
This new laminated range is specifically tailored for demanding applications in the food industry, including meat, poultry, and ready meals.
“Our aim with Muoto has always been to create packaging that combines functionality and sustainability with an eco-conscious design,” states Niklas von Weymarn, CEO of Metsä Spring. “With the Laminated Fibre series, we are entering a new phase – moving from successful pilot trials to industrial testing with demanding food applications.”
This hybrid solution merges Metsä Spring’s smooth moulded fibre products with Amcor’s advanced barrier film liners. The fibre component originates from renewable wood fibre sourced from Nordic forests. Innovative technology developed in collaboration with Valmet allows for a multi-layered structure, resulting in a lightweight yet durable product that is suitable for automatic packaging lines. By incorporating laminated film into the fibre product, this solution achieves enhanced barrier properties and high-performance sealability, making it ideal for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum skin packaging (VSP). Notably, Muoto Laminated Fibre products remain fully recyclable in the carton stream and contain no added PFAS, aligning with the sustainability goals of Muoto Uncoated Fibre products.
“The collaboration with Amcor has been instrumental in developing a solution that meets the strict requirements of the food industry,” Niklas von Weymarn elaborates. “We believe Muoto Laminated Fibre can help customers reduce plastic use without compromising on performance or safety.”
The Muoto Laminated Fibre trays are specifically designed for recycling and significantly lower plastic content. Initial commercial pilot cases are anticipated by 2026, with ongoing development tailored to customer feedback.
“This is just the beginning,” Niklas von Weymarn adds. “Industrial testing will yield valuable insights that we can leverage to expand the product range, introduce new sizes, and create additional packaging concepts alongside our customers and partners.”
