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Metsä Group’s innovation arm, Metsä Spring, has unveiled a strategic sustainable packaging solution for the fresh produce sector, introducing a new series of wood fibre punnets designed specifically for berries, fruits, and vegetables.

Part of the company’s Muoto Uncoated Fibre Series, the new moulded fibre innovations are engineered to address the stringent requirements of the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), offering a scalable alternative to single-use plastics.

Technology and Sustainability Profile

The punnets are manufactured using renewable wood pulp, utilising a proprietary technology that converts wet pulp directly into three-dimensional packages without intermediate steps. This process results in a low-carbon footprint product that is ready to ship immediately after moulding.

Key Product Specifications:

• Material: Renewable wood pulp (Uncoated Fibre).

• End-of-Life: Durable, recyclable, and plastic-free.

• Design: Available in two distinct size options.

• Compliance: Designed to meet strict PPWR standards anticipated to come into force in 2030.

Market Potential and Scale

Metsä Spring cites market survey data indicating that several billion packages are utilised annually for fresh produce in Europe. By replacing current plastic inventory with fibre-based solutions like Muoto punnets, the industry could significantly reduce the volume of single-use plastic waste.

Tarja Heikkilä, Product Manager at Muoto, invited industry stakeholders to engage with the new technology ahead of regulatory shifts:

Commercial Timeline

The new Muoto punnets have reached the pre-commercial stage and are scheduled to enter market testing starting in January 2026. Metsä Spring is actively seeking partners in the packaging industry to test and co-develop the product further.