Forestry industry company Metsä Group and Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions with a presence in India, have announced a strategic collaboration to develop three-dimensional molded fiber packaging solutions with lidding and liner for a variety of food applications.
The collaboration aims to leverage both companies’ expertise in innovative packaging technologies to create cycle-ready products that meet the growing demand for sustainable alternatives.
In the collaboration, Muoto, a wood-based molded fiber packaging solution developed by Metsä Spring, Metsä Group’s innovation company, will be combined with Amcor’s advanced high-barrier film liner and lidding technology. Joining forces, the companies aim to deliver an innovative fiber-based food packaging that protects perishable food products and extends shelf life.
Made from locally sourced pulp coming from traceable Nordic forests, Muoto is a renewable and recyclable alternative to plastic packaging. By integrating Amcor’s laminated film, Muoto gains enhanced functionality. The fiber package jointly developed by the companies can be sealed with a heat-sealed lid structure, which is central to a certain type of food packaging.
Jarkko Tuominen, vice-president, Projects, Metsä Spring, said, “Our collaboration with Amcor represents a significant step forward in more sustainable packaging innovation. Metsä Group and Amcor have a longstanding relationship built on a shared commitment to reducing our environmental impact. Together, we are redefining the future of food packaging.”
Amcor offers a variety of fiber-based packaging solutions across its AmFiber global portfolio and specialty cartons products. Amcor’s AmFiber products are currently on store shelves across the globe and are available for a wide range of applications including snacks and confectionery, dry culinary and beverage, meat, dairy and more.
Ilya Syshchikov, Amcor’s vice president, Fiber, said, “I am excited about this collaboration with our good partner Metsä. Both parties bring a wealth of materials, packaging and market knowledge to deliver more sustainable solutions to our customers with exceptional quality, functionality and efficiency.“
The full solution will be recyclable in the paper stream in most markets with CEPI recyclability score of over 80%. In the longer term, the ambition is to develop a fully compostable solution. The first products from this partnership are expected to be commercially available in Europe this year.
Metsä Group manufactures Muoto products at a demo plant located in Äänekoski. The company is currently conducting a pre-engineering project, the results of which will be used to evaluate the investment in the first commercial-scale factory.
