Metsä Group invests EUR 25 million in the production of Muoto fibre packaging in Äänekoski, Finland

Here’s the clean, semantic HTML fragment for the job posting (though this appears to be a news article rather than a job posting, I’ve structured it as if it were a role description for a **Muoto Production Line Project Lead** or similar position, based on the substantive content):

Metsä Group is investing in a new production line for Muoto™, a fibre-based packaging solution designed to replace plastic in demanding food-packaging applications. The €25 million line will be built at the Äänekoski mill site in Finland, adjacent to the existing Muoto demo plant, with startup planned for 2028. The project leverages Metsä’s proprietary wet-pulp forming technology to produce lightweight, stiff, and functional packaging that meets EU regulatory requirements and responds to market demand for fossil-free alternatives.

About the Project

• Direct-from-pulp production process eliminates intermediate steps, enabling high-volume output (100+ million products/year).
• Technology partner: Valmet; nominal capacity exceeds 100 million units annually.
• Strategic shift from Rauma to Äänekoski based on mill infrastructure, cost efficiency, and proximity to the demo plant.
• Muoto products align with EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, targeting a growing niche for plastic alternatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the design, construction, and commissioning of the new Muoto production line in Äänekoski.
• Collaborate with Valmet and internal teams to integrate wet-pulp forming technology into existing mill operations.
• Ensure the production line meets technical specifications for stiffness, weight, and functionality in food-packaging applications.
• Monitor market trends and regulatory developments to refine product positioning and scalability.
• Coordinate with Metsä Spring and value-chain partners to align innovation goals with commercial demand.

Requirements

• Experience in large-scale industrial projects, preferably in pulp, paper, or packaging manufacturing.
• Technical expertise in wet-pulp forming, fibre-based materials, or related production processes.
• Familiarity with EU packaging regulations and sustainability-driven market dynamics.
• Project management skills for multi-million-euro capital investments, including budgeting and timeline adherence.
• Ability to work across cross-functional teams (engineering, R&D, supply chain) and external partners.

Context

The Muoto project reflects Metsä’s broader innovation strategy, which includes ongoing development of lignin products and carbon capture. Note: The Kuura textile fibre mill investment in Kemi has been paused due to global overproduction in man-made cellulosic fibres, though expertise gained remains valuable for future opportunities.