Metsä Spring’s laminated fibre trays enter industrial testing

In a major step forward for sustainable food packaging, Metsä Spring, the innovation arm of Metsä Group, has announced the industrial testing of its new Muoto Laminated Fibre series — a hybrid moulded fibre tray designed to meet the rigorous demands of meat, poultry, and ready meal applications.

Developed in partnership with Amcor, the solution marks a significant breakthrough in replacing plastic-heavy formats with recyclable, fibre-based alternatives.

The Muoto Laminated Fibre series builds on the success of Metsä Spring’s Uncoated Fibre range, which launched in 2024 and quickly gained traction in takeaway and serving applications. The new laminated version introduces barrier film technology, enabling high-performance sealability and compatibility with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum skin packaging (VSP) — formats traditionally dominated by plastic.

“This is a pivotal moment for fibre-based packaging,” said Niklas von Weymarn, CEO of Metsä Spring. “With the Laminated Fibre series, we’re moving beyond pilot trials and into industrial testing for demanding food applications. It’s a clear signal that fibre can compete with plastic — not just in sustainability, but in performance.”

The Muoto Laminated Fibre trays are manufactured using renewable wood fibre sourced from Nordic forests. Advanced forming technology, developed in collaboration with Valmet, enables a multi-layered structure that is lightweight, durable, and suitable for automated packaging lines. The addition of Amcor’s barrier film liners enhances moisture and oxygen resistance while maintaining recyclability in the carton stream.

Crucially, the trays contain no added PFAS — aligning with growing regulatory and consumer pressure to eliminate harmful chemicals from food packaging.

“The collaboration with Amcor has been instrumental,” von Weymarn added. “Together, we’ve created a solution that meets the strict hygiene and shelf-life requirements of the food industry, while significantly reducing plastic content.”

Earlier this month, Metsä Spring’s Muoto Twin Uncoated Fibre range won a ScanStar award — the Nordic region’s prestigious packaging innovation prize. The award, organised annually by the Scandinavian Packaging Association, recognised the product’s contribution to sustainable design and functional performance.

The Laminated Fibre series now enters industrial testing with selected customers, with commercial pilot cases expected in 2026. Feedback from these trials will inform further development, including new tray sizes and expanded packaging concepts.

“This is just the beginning,” von Weymarn said. “Industrial testing will give us the insights we need to scale, refine, and co-develop future solutions with our partners. We’re not just launching a product — we’re reshaping the future of food packaging.”

For food manufacturers and retailers, the Muoto Laminated Fibre series offers a viable path to reduce plastic use without compromising on food safety, shelf life, or operational efficiency. As regulatory frameworks tighten and consumer expectations shift, innovations like Muoto are poised to play a central role in packaging strategy.

The trays are designed for compatibility with existing packaging lines, making adoption easier for producers seeking to transition away from plastic. Their recyclability and absence of PFAS also support broader sustainability goals and compliance with emerging legislation.