In Finland, Metsä Group and global packaging giant Amcor have announced a strategic partnership to develop recyclable, fiber-based packaging solutions for food. The collaboration brings together Metsä’s wood-based molder fiber innovation, Muoto™, and Amcor’s advanced high-barrier lidding and liner technologies to create a functional, recyclable alternative to plastic.
The new packaging solution is designed to meet growing global demand for environmentally friendly food containers. Developed by Metsä Spring, Metsä Group’s innovation arm, Muoto™ is made from locally sourced Nordic pulp and is fully recyclable. When combined with Amcor’s laminated film technology, the product offers improved shelf life and protective properties for perishable goods.
The fiber packaging will be recyclable in the paper stream in most markets and has already received a recyclability score of over 80% from the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI). In the long term, the partners aim to develop a fully compostable version of the packaging.
Commercial rollout of the new products is expected to begin in Europe later this year. Production is currently taking place at Metsä’s demonstration plant in Äänekoski, where a pre-engineering study is underway to assess the feasibility of building a full-scale manufacturing facility.