Metsä Board has opened a design centre in Milan, Italy, focused on packaging development with customers.
The plan was initially disclosed in February this year.
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The site combines design work, materials knowledge and data-based input to support the creation of packaging that is more efficient and matched to customer needs.
The centre uses AI-assisted design tools, simulation and materials expertise so that options can be reviewed and tested at an earlier stage.
According to the company, this can lower uncertainty, speed up decisions and reduce development time.
The Milan facility is intended to support a working model in which design, materials and performance are developed at the same time rather than in sequence.
The new centre allows earlier and closer work with customers, including shared testing and refinement, with the aim of making packaging solutions ready for practical use more quickly.
It draws on fresh fibre-based materials, design capability and data-led input to help brands respond to growing sustainability, performance and regulatory demands.
Metsä Board commercial operations SVP Erja Hyrsky said: “Milan offers a unique combination of a strong packaging ecosystem and a world-class design environment. Being there allows us to work more closely with our customers and strengthen collaboration across key European markets.
“Our customers don’t just need new packaging ideas – they need solutions that are validated for actual use conditions, and they need them faster than ever. By combining design, materials and data, we can move from concept to validated solution much earlier, with greater confidence.”
In April, Amcor progressed a joint project with Metsä Group and food packaging equipment maker G Mondini.
The companies were preparing to present an integrated fibre-based tray system for protein products and chilled ready meals.
