Following promising results from the ongoing demonstration phase, Metsä Group has announced the commencement of a pre-engineering project in tandem with the demo phase for a potential first commercial-scale factory. Muoto™ packages, renewable and recyclable bioproducts, find applications in takeaway, berry, tray, and combo packaging.
Metsä Group’s innovation arm, Metsä Spring, has taken the initiative to launch a pre-engineering project for the inaugural commercial factory producing Muoto™ packaging solutions, offering wood-based alternatives to plastic packaging.
The pre-engineering phase, crucial for planning, is anticipated to be finalized by early 2025, providing the groundwork for factory planning decisions and potential investments.
Drawing insights from the ongoing demo phase, primarily conducted at a unique demo plant in Äänekoski, Finland, Metsä Group will evaluate the feasibility of venturing into this new business segment and potential factory investment, with Rauma, Finland identified as the prospective factory site.
Niklas von Weymarn, CEO at Metsä Spring, acknowledges the significance of this milestone: “Taking an idea to industrial scale is a long road with multiple different phases. Deciding to start the pre-engineering project is a big milestone for us. Although many areas still need further development, we have now gathered enough proof to initiate this very important factory planning stage.”
The technology behind Muoto™ products enables the conversion of wet wood pulp into 3-dimensional packages without intermediate steps, facilitating direct shipment to end customers. Noteworthy attributes of Muoto™ include its ease of molding into various shapes, lightweight nature, strength, and recyclability.
Initially, the focus will be on producing light takeaway and lunch packages, berry containers, trays, and combo packaging. Final decisions regarding Muoto™ product offerings will align with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation upon its finalization.
Earlier this year, Metsä Spring appointed Veli-Pekka Kyllönen as Project Director to spearhead the pre-engineering project, with recruitment efforts ongoing to assemble a team of 5-10 experts.