Metsä Board Oyj: Metsä Board and Kouvolan Lakritsi collaborate on innovative paperboard mug packaging

Metsä Board, a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards, has partnered with Finnish confectionery maker Kouvolan Lakritsi to create a new, resealable liquorice mug made of fresh fibre paperboard.

Inspired by paperboard cups, Metsä Board's packaging design team developed the new paperboard mug with a heat-sealed transparent plastic film that keeps the liquorice fresh. Once opened, the reclosable paperboard cover effectively preserves the liquorice.

The result is a durable, recyclable container that keeps Kouvolan Lakritsi's famous liquorice fresh while making a strong visual impression on store shelves. The new packaging also addresses common consumer complaints about traditional plastic sweet pouches, such as easy tearing and stickiness, while reducing the use of plastic.

"We had long been thinking whether the sales package for liquorice could be something different than a plastic pouch," says Timo Nisula, Managing Director at Kouvolan Lakritsi. "The new mug can even be reused as a coffee cup that gives a slight flavour of liquorice in the coffee."

"Collaborating with our customers is vital in developing paperboard innovations that address their specific needs," says Ilkka Harju, Packaging Services Director at Metsä Board. "By working closely with Kouvolan Lakritsi, we designed a new paperboard solution that aligns with the company's renowned brand and offers a functional, innovative design."

Kouvolan Lakritsi, a renowned Finnish brand established in 1906, has produced its liquorice with the same recipe since 1960. The cup was manufactured by Kruunukartonki in Finland.

Link to photo (https://databank.metsagroup.com/l/fCLdCPCd5tK6)