From left: Lars-Kristen Holst, Moelven; Thea Persson, Moelven; Bjorn Larsson, Billerud; Jenny Flod, Billerud; Sanna Hjelm, Moelven; Anders Carlsson, Moelven; and Tjalling Chaudron, Moelven.

Moelven Wood and Billerud Collaborate to Develop Paper-based Packaging to Replace Shrink Wrap

Dec. 22, 2023 - Moelven Wood and Billerud are joining forces to examine the possibility of developing a new sustainable packaging solution for Moelven's interior panels. The goal is to create a paper-based solution to replace the current plastic shrink wrap. The collaboration stems from an innovation competition organized by Paper Province.

In September, 19 companies submitted 22 solution proposals to Moelven Wood's packaging challenge — to find a more sustainable packaging for their wooden interior panels.

Out of these, Ahlstrom, Billerud, Boxon, Lignin Industries, and T-Emballage were selected to work on the challenge during MoelvenHackathon. The innovation competition was arranged by the forestry bioeconomy cluster Paper Province and held in Karlstad, Sweden, on December 11 and 12.

During the competition, the companies fine-tuned their solutions with support from mentors in business and product development, communication, value proposition, and materials. At the final, the companies pitched their proposals to Moelven's jury who announced Billerud and their fiber-based packaging solution as the winner.

"Billerud's team presented a sharp and concrete solution that conveys sustainability, reflects the content, and visually stands out in stores," said Tjalling Chaudron, Product Development Manager at Moelven Wood. "We are confident that we together can develop a packaging with good technical properties, that can add value to our products and have an achievable implementation in the factory."

Replacing the current shrink wrap packaging with one made from renewable materials is a step towards reducing Moelven Wood's carbon footprint.

Björn Larsson, Business Development Manager at Billerud, said, "The packaging solution that we presented offers a modern and attractive packaging for a modern and attractive panel."

In January, the companies will start the development of the packaging, aiming to offer Moelven's future customers products with a fossil-free packaging.

Bioboosters' Hackathon

Moelven is the second company in Sweden to use the Bioboosters innovation hackathon. The method is currently being developed in an international Interreg initiative involving nine participants in seven countries.

Malin Hildén, Communications Officer at Paper Province, explained, "The hackathon process is s a new approach to finding innovative solutions. By openly announcing a company's challenge, and letting businesses present their ideas, new collaborations can begin, and new products and solutions can be given life."

Chaudron added, "It's a very good concept. We sought innovation, and thanks to the hackathon, we have seen the breadth available in the market and the opportunities that come with it. We have gained a lot of knowledge about packaging that we didn't have before, and we are very grateful to all the suppliers that participated."

About Bioboosters

MoelvenHackathon is part of the international BioBoosters project co-funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme. The project brings together nine innovation networks in the bioeconomy sector from countries around the Baltic Sea: Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Germany. The project organizes 18 Hackathons to support responsible business practices and the transition to a circular economy for bioeconomy companies.

Billerud provides paper and packaging materials that challenge conventional packaging for a sustainable future. The company has production units in Sweden, USA, and Finland.

SOURCE: Billerud