Metsä Board has disclosed plans to establish a new Packaging Design Studio in Milan, Italy, with the facility expected to begin operations in mid-2026.

The company said that this development is intended to support collaboration with European brand owners, converters, and packaging developers.

The Milan studio will be equipped with the latest tools and technology, including AI-based design and simulation systems.

This setup is designed to help improve the efficiency of workshops, sprints, and joint development sessions, especially for projects responding to sustainability objectives, regulatory updates, or specific performance criteria.

The site will bring together packaging design, product development, and technical expertise under one roof.

Metsä Board indicated this arrangement will encourage more integrated consideration of materials, insights, and manufacturing needs when working with customers on packaging solutions.

This new studio will add to Metsä Board’s existing network, which includes the Excellence Centre in Äänekoski, Finland, focused on material research and packaging testing and the Packaging Design Studio in Norwalk, US, serving North American clients.

Once operational, the Milan studio will be available to customers, partners, and other industry participants for collaborative development of new packaging approaches.

Metsä Board commercial operations SVP Erja Hyrsky said: “Located in one of Europe’s leading design capitals, the Milan studio gives us a perfect setting to work even more closely with our customers. The studio makes it easy to connect, test ideas and move towards solutions that keep pace with the fast-evolving packaging landscape.” 

Metsä Board produces lightweight folding boxboards, foodservice boards, and white kraftliners.

In 2025, the company reported sales of €1.8bn ($2.1bn) and had around 1,900 employees.

Metsä Board operates as part of Metsä Group, which is owned by approximately 90,000 Finnish forest owners through its parent company, Metsäliitto Cooperative. Metsä Group’s total sales amounted to €5.8bn in 2025.