Thursday, December 18, 2025
Metsä Group’s innovation company, Metsä Spring, is leading the way in sustainable packaging solutions with the launch of its new Muoto Uncoated Fibre Series. This innovation introduces two sizes of wood fibre punnets designed specifically for the fresh food segment, including fruits, berries, and vegetables. These punnets provide a much-needed plastic-free alternative for packaging fresh produce, aligning with the upcoming European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The Muoto punnets are crafted from renewable wood pulp and are fully recyclable, offering a low-carbon footprint solution for the packaging industry. As the European Union prepares to implement the PPWR regulation in 2030, companies must pivot away from single-use plastics to comply with stricter environmental policies. Metsä Spring’s Muoto punnets, which are expected to be available for market testing by January 2026, are designed to meet these regulations, allowing fresh produce packers to begin transitioning to eco-friendly packaging ahead of time.
“We welcome packers to join our pre-commercial sales phase, test, and co-develop the right solution for their needs,” says Tarja Heikkilä, Product Manager at Muoto. This early phase of testing is crucial for businesses that want to stay ahead of the regulatory curve while embracing more sustainable packaging options.
Muoto’s new wood fibre punnets are a breakthrough in reducing plastic usage, especially in the packaging of fresh fruits, berries, and vegetables. Research conducted by Muoto highlights the massive scale of packaging required annually in Europe for fresh products. For example, berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries require billions of packaging units every year. Replacing plastic packaging with Muoto punnets could drastically reduce the volume of single-use plastics, making a significant environmental impact.
Made from renewable wood pulp, these punnets are not only recyclable but biodegradable. Their production process is innovative and low-carbon, converting wet wood pulp directly into durable, 3-dimensional packages without the need for intermediate steps. This streamlined production process reduces energy consumption, contributing to a lower overall environmental footprint. The lightweight yet strong nature of the Muoto punnets makes them a practical alternative for the fresh produce industry.
The Muoto Uncoated Fibre Series is already gaining industry recognition. In September 2025, the Muoto Twin Uncoated Fibre range won the prestigious ScanStar award, which recognises innovation in sustainable packaging in the Nordic region. The Muoto products also triumphed at the 2025 Packnorth Award in the Circular and Sustainable Packaging category, further solidifying their position as a game-changer in the packaging industry.
“We are extremely happy to launch yet another scalable Muoto packaging solution,” says Niklas von Weymarn, CEO of Metsä Spring. The positive feedback from early pilots with industrial partners and customers has been encouraging, with some Muoto products already appearing on retail shelves. This shows the growing demand for alternative packaging solutions that comply with upcoming regulations.
The introduction of Muoto punnets is part of Metsä Spring’s broader strategy to provide scalable and sustainable packaging solutions. The Muoto series is versatile and can be used across various sectors, from takeaway food service to industrial packing. As the world continues to seek more sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic packaging, Muoto represents a step forward in meeting the needs of both consumers and regulatory bodies.
The demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions is only expected to rise as companies and consumers alike seek to reduce their environmental impact. Metsä Spring is positioning itself at the forefront of this movement, with the Muoto range offering a highly scalable and adaptable solution for the packaging industry.
Metsä Spring’s Muoto uncoated fibre punnets are a key innovation in the transition towards more sustainable packaging solutions. By offering a fully recyclable, plastic-free alternative to traditional packaging, Muoto products are poised to meet the needs of the fresh produce industry and support compliance with upcoming EU regulations. As the packaging industry continues to evolve, Metsä Spring’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is helping shape the future of eco-friendly packaging.
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Tags: Eco-friendly packaging, EU packaging law, fresh produce, Metsä Spring, Muoto, plastic-free packaging, PPWR regulation, recyclable punnets, sustainable packaging, wood fibre punnets
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