Finland-based Metsä Group’s innovation company Metsä Spring has developed a new fibre-based punnet for packaging of fresh berries, fruit and vegetables.

According to the company, market tests are scheduled to begin in January 2026.

The solution, called Muoto punnet, is part of the company’s Muoto Uncoated Fibre Series, a range of uncoated fibre packaging products.

The Muoto punnet will initially be available in two sizes.

Metsä Spring cited its own market survey indicating that several billion packs are used annually across Europe for fresh produce.

The company noted that if existing plastic packs were substituted with options such as Muoto punnets and paperboard-based formats, the volume of single-use plastic in the packaging chain could be cut substantially.

Muoto items are made by converting wet wood pulp directly into 3D packaging, without any intermediate steps.

This creates new low-carbon products that can be shipped to customers in their final form.

Metsä Spring Muoto product manager Tarja Heikkila said: “Our Muoto packages are durable, do not contain plastic, can be recycled and meet the strict requirements of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

"Since the new legislation is likely to enter into force in 2030, now is the best time to start looking for alternative solutions for packaging fresh products.”

Separately, in September, Metsä Board started the installation phase of a major board machine modernisation at its Simpele mill. 

The move was part of a €60m ($70m) investment programme to improve the quality of the company’s folding boxboard grade, MetsäBoard Classic FBB, and also advance the mill’s shift towards fossil-free production.

A curtain coating technology was introduced to the MetsäBoard Classic FBB for improved print surface and superior visual quality.