Metsä Group invests EUR 25 million in Muoto fibre packaging line at Äänekoski
- The company will invest approximately EUR 25 million in a Muoto fibre packaging production line.
- The line will start up in 2028 with a nominal capacity of more than 100 million products per year.
- Production will be located at the Metsä mill site in Äänekoski, moved from the previously planned Rauma site, and Valmet will supply the line.
- The planned Kuura textile fibre mill in Kemi will not proceed due to significant global overproduction of man-made cellulosic fibres, especially in Asia.
Investment and timing
Metsä is investing approximately EUR 25 million in a new Muoto fibre packaging production line that will start up in 2028. The nominal capacity of the production line will be more than 100 million products per year.
Product and market fit
Muoto is a fibre-based packaging solution produced from the company's own wood fibres and formed directly from wet wood pulp without intermediate steps. The products combine stiffness and functionality with light weight and are suited for demanding serving and food packaging. They meet the strict requirements of the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and the company expects legislation to support market uptake as alternatives to plastic are sought.
Location and supplier
The production line will be installed within the Metsä mill site in Äänekoski, adjacent to the existing Muoto demo plant. The site was chosen over the previously planned Rauma location based on mill-site infrastructure, the existing production line and investment costs. Technology supplier Valmet will deliver the production line.
Kuura textile fibre project status
The planned Kuura textile fibre mill in Kemi will not proceed. Significant global overproduction of man-made cellulosic fibres—particularly new capacity in Asia—has weakened the competitiveness of high-quality, responsibly manufactured fibres, and too few customers are currently willing to pay a premium; the company is exploring options to utilise the textile-fibre expertise developed.
Source: Metsä
