Valmet to Deliver First Commercial-Scale 3D Fiber Line to Metsä Group
Valmet will deliver a 3D Fiber molded fiber production line to Metsä Group’s facility in Äänekoski, Finland, marking the first commercial-scale implementation of the technology.
The investment is aimed at meeting growing demand for fiber-based alternatives to plastic by enabling the high-volume production of three-dimensional molded fiber packaging designed to compete with conventional plastic solutions.
The new production line follows several years of development and piloting between Valmet and Metsä Group. Valmet launched its 3D Fiber technology commercially in June 2026, and the new line is scheduled to start up in 2028.
The technology uses cellulose fibers to form ready-to-use three-dimensional products directly from pulp, eliminating several intermediate production steps. It can be used to manufacture lightweight yet rigid products such as trays, plates and food packaging containers.
Valmet’s solution covers the production process from fiber processing through to automatic packing of finished products. The company also provides testing and piloting capabilities to help customers develop and validate new molded fiber applications.
Valmet and Metsä Group have been developing the technology at a joint demonstration plant in Äänekoski since 2022. The new industrial production line will be located alongside the existing facility, which has a nominal capacity of more than 100 million products per year.
The commercial-scale investment is expected to demonstrate the scalability of 3D Fiber technology and support further industrial adoption of molded fiber packaging as brands and manufacturers seek alternatives to plastic.
“This investment confirms the market potential of the technology and accelerates the replacement of plastic packaging in high-volume production,” said Juho Pyrrö, Head of 3D Fiber at Valmet.
The order has been included in Valmet’s orders received for the third quarter of 2026. Financial details of the order have not been disclosed.
Metsä Group is a Finnish forest industry group operating across pulp, paperboard, tissue and greaseproof papers, wood products, and wood supply and forest services.
