Metsä Group’s innovation subsidiary, Metsä Spring, has initiated pre-commercial sales of its innovative, three-dimensional, wood-based packaging solution, Muoto™. These Muoto packages are designed for diverse applications, ranging from takeaway services to industrial shipping. Their natural composition guarantees safety and non-toxicity while being lightweight, durable, and robust. During this pre-commercial phase, product availability will be limited by volume and packaging type.
Since May 2022, Muoto products have been manufactured at a demo plant operated by Metsä Group and Valmet in Äänekoski, Finland. The move to pre-commercial sales represents a significant milestone in the advancement of this business venture. If results prove successful, Metsä Group anticipates evaluating investment opportunities for a first commercial factory by 2025, thus launching the Muoto business in earnest.
“We have been extremely pleased with the early results of Muoto. In wood-based product development, it’s quite rare to have a product ready after only a few years of development. Designed for durability and safety, Muoto is ideal for a wide range of uses, from serving dishes to food containers – so we are ready to expand cooperation with pilot customers,” says Jarkko Tuominen, Vice President of Projects at Metsä Spring.
Muoto’s primary advantage lies in its streamlined production process that eliminates several supply chain steps essential for traditional packaging solutions. In the Muoto process, pulp slurry is directly fed into a mould, formed, dried, and cut, creating products that are ready for immediate shipment to customers, suitable for uses such as food and drink packaging. This innovative approach requires minimal water and resources thanks to its advanced product structure, efficient production process, and effective water circulation. The entire production occurs on a single automated production line that employs machine learning at multiple points, ensuring a safe and reliable manufacturing process.
“By offering early access, we aim to gather valuable feedback and insights from customers to further refine our product. Together, we can explore new applications based on market and customer needs,” elaborates Jarkko Tuominen.
With the EU directive on single-use plastics, food and drink packaging manufacturers across Europe are actively pursuing sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to conventional packaging solutions. Additionally, the European Commission’s forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will compel companies to enhance circularity and minimize the environmental footprint of their packaging.
“At Metsä Group, we are constantly exploring potential innovations that could introduce more wood-based alternatives into everyday products, thereby replacing various fossil-based options. With Muoto, we provide a viable alternative to the plastic-dominated market, demonstrating that functionality, responsibility, profitability, and design can coexist harmoniously,” asserts Niklas von Weymarn, CEO of Metsä Spring.
