The project aiming to develop a new Muoto packaging business for Metsä Group was highly scored in the European Commission's evaluation process, and the company was therefore invited to negotiate with the European Union about a possible co-financing for the first commercial Muoto mill planned in Rauma, Finland. The negotiations are expected to last approximately six months. The exact details, including the level of funding, will only be confirmed during the negotiations.
Metsä Group is taking the Muoto project forward on three main fronts. The demo mill in Äänekoski is used to develop the new manufacturing method together with Valmet. Pre-commercial sales have been launched with potential customers, with the aim of getting a better understanding of the market's view of the Muoto product. The pre-engineering phase of factory planning related to a possible Rauma mill is underway. If promising results are obtained from each of the three main fronts mentioned above and the negotiations with the European Commission on co-financing of the mill investment are concluded favourably, Metsä Group will be in a position to consider investing in the Muoto mill and in the start-up of the Muoto business, possibly as early as next year.
Muoto is a completely new type of moulded fibre package that is suitable for, for example, take-away, berry boxes or packaging trays.