Valmet 3D Fiber technology combines high capacity and speed, automation, and resource efficiency to produce high-quality molded fiber packaging.
Aug. 27, 2026 - Valmet will deliver a 3D Fiber molded fiber production line to Metsä Group's bioproducts mill in Äänekoski, Finland.
The value of the order was not disclosed.
Valmet explained that the new molded fiber line will position Metsä to respond to the growing demand for alternatives to replace plastics by enabling high-volume industrial production of three-dimensional fiber-based packaging that is competitive with similar plastic solutions.
This investment marks a significant milestone as the world's first commercial-scale implementation of the innovation. It follows Valmet's extensive development, piloting, and the successful launch of the 3D Fiber technology in June 2026, Valmet noted.
"After years of fruitful co-development with Valmet, including the start-up of the joint demo plant in 2022, Muoto is now entering an exciting new phase," said Antti Valtonen, Vice President of the Muoto project, Metsä Spring. "We are expanding our capabilities, deepening customer collaborations, and building the foundations for future growth. At the same time, demand is growing for packaging solutions that combine performance, circularity, and scalability."
Juho Pyrrö, Head of 3D Fiber at Valmet, added, "Valmet 3D Fiber technology is the first large-scale molded fiber production technology on the market, and it provides an attractive and competitive end-to-end solution for the growing sustainable packaging market."
Valmet 3D Fiber technology enables the production of lightweight yet rigid end products, including trays, plates, and food packaging containers, offering alternatives to plastic. The technology uses cellulose fibers to form ready-to-use, three-dimensional products directly from pulp, eliminating the need for intermediate steps. Valmet offers a complete solution from fiber processing to automatic packing of end products along with services. With comprehensive testing and piloting opportunities, customers are able to develop and test new end products together with Valmet.
Valmet and Metsä Group have been developing the novel technology together in their demo plant in Äänekoski. The new production line will be located alongside the existing demo plant with a nominal capacity of more than 100 million products per year, demonstrating the scalability of the technology and paving the way for future industrial investments.
Start-up of the line is scheduled for 2028.
Metsä's Äänekoski mill has the capacity to produce 800,000 tonnes per year of softwood pulp and 500,000 tonnes per year of hardwood pulp.
Valmet is a global technology leader in serving process industries. The company works with its customers throughout the lifecycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services, as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Valmet is backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of 18,500 professionals. In 2025, Valmet's net sales totaled approximately EUR 5.2 billion. The company's head office is in Espoo, Finland.
SOURCE: Valmet