The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Metsä Group’s innovation company, Metsä Spring, has introduced a new wood fibre punnet series designed for fresh berries, fruits and vegetables.

The new moulded fibre innovations are part of the company’s Muoto Uncoated Fibre Series. Available in two different size options, the punnets have been developed to meet the requirements of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

According to market research conducted by Muoto, the overall packaging unit volume for fresh products in Europe is billions of units annually. Firm berries alone, such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, require billions of units of packaging each year.

By replacing current plastic packaging with products such as Muoto’s new punnets, the industry can significantly decrease the volume of single-use plastics.

Made from renewable wood pulp, Muoto is fully recyclable and biodegradable. The technology applied in the products converts wet wood pulp into three-dimensional packages without any intermediate steps, meaning the new low-carbon footprint products would be ready to ship to end customers as such.

Tarja Heikkilä, product manager at Muoto, said: “We welcome packers to join our pre-commercial sales phase, test and co-develop the right solution for their needs”.

“Our Muoto punnets are durable, plastic-free, fully recyclable, and meet the strict requirements of the upcoming PPWR regulation. As the new legislation will most likely come into effect in 2030, this is the prime time to start testing other solutions for packing fresh product.”

The Muoto solution is lightweight and strong, and can be moulded easily into different shapes. It can be used in various applications, from takeaway foodservice to industrial packing.

The new punnets will be ready for market testing starting from January 2026.