Smurfit Westrock has been included on the 2025 Forbes Global 2000 list of the world’s largest and most successful public companies. The prestigious ranking measures global impact and financial strength and is based on criteria including sales, profits, assets and market value. In the Forbes announcement Smurfit Westrock was acknowledged as ‘the highest-ranking new company to join the list.’ Tony Smurfit, President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re honored to be included on the Forbes list almost a year after proudly making our debut as Smurfit Westrock. This recognition is testament to the talented and passionate people driving this company forward and creating real momentum.” The 2000 companies on this year’s Forbes Global 2000 list combine to record $52.9 trillion in revenue, $4.9 trillion in profit and $242.2 trillion in assets. Smurfit Westrock was also recognized this week as one of TIME magazine’s World’s Most Sustainable Companies. A global leader in sustainable paper and packaging, Smurfit Westrock operates in 40 countries with over 500 packaging converting operations and 59 paper mills.

Rebl Industries, a Swedish robotics company, has signed significant framework agreements with global fashion and design companies  H&M and IKEA Svenska AB to deploy its next-generation robots-as-a-service (RaaS) solutions. The AI-powered  robots have been successfully used in real production environments for years. They are designed to automate tasks like sorting, palletising, and depalletising – relieving warehouse staff from repetitive and physically demanding work. The robots are deployed rapidly as a performance-based service, without requiring a large upfront investment, an approach challenging traditional automation models. Now, Rebl is entering a new phase with comprehensive agreements with H&M and IKEA. Since the summer of 2024, H&M has been using Rebl's  robots at its Nordics online sales warehouse in Sweden. This combination of process supporting technology and teamwork has produced positive results, by enhancing production predictability and efficiency. More locations are planned to follow. To accelerate its global expansion, the company has appointed Nicholas Tengelin, a seasoned executive from the automotive industry, having held senior leadership roles at Volvo Cars, Hedin Mobility Group and Hogia, as its first external CEO. His mandate is to rapidly scale and industrialise Rebl's position as the global leader in next-generation robotics. "We're excited to partner with international companies like H&M and IKEA. Our AI-powered robots quickly step into warehouse operations, supporting a decrease in repetitive tasks for employees and an increase in overall efficiency. This game-changing technology opens new automation possibilities for sectors previously unable to leverage robotics," says Nicholas Tengelin, CEO of Rebl Industries.

Muoto is revolutionising packaging with a pure and safe three-dimensional fibre product made from sustainably sourced wood fibres. Designed to meet the demands of modern businesses, Muoto offers a flexible, renewable alternative to plastic packaging, providing a solution that is safe, sustainable, and ready for immediate use. Metsä Group’s new packaging brand is now available for pilot customers looking for packaging solutions that, thanks to Muoto’s modularity and new technology used in the process, have multiple usage cases in food packaging. Both durable and recyclable, Muoto packaging is a great alternative to plastic products. Muoto packages can be used in a wide range of applications, from takeaway to industrial packing. Its natural composition ensures safety and non-toxicity, while being lightweight, durable, and sturdy. During the pre-commercial phase, the availability of products will be limited by volume and packaging type. Muoto products have been produced at Metsä Group’s and Valmet’s demo plant in Äänekoski, Finland, since May 2022. Metsä Group is now making its product available for pre-commercial sale, a significant milestone in the development of the business. If the results are successful, in 2025, Metsä Group will be in a position to evaluate investing in a first commercial factory and thus, start the Muoto business.

Forestry industry company Metsä Group and Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, have announced a collaboration to develop three-dimensional moulded fibre packaging solutions with lidding and liner for a variety of food applications. The collaboration underscores Metsä Group and Amcor’s commitment to sustainability and innovation by creating recycle-ready packaging solutions. Combining Metsä Group’s wood-based moulded fibre product, Muoto,™ developed by Metsä Spring, with Amcor’s advanced high-barrier film liner and lidding technology, the partnership seeks to deliver innovative fibre-based food packaging that protects perishable food products and extends shelf life. Made from renewable wood pulp, Muoto is fully recyclable and biodegradable . It can be used in various applications, from takeaway to industrial packing. By integrating Amcor’s laminated film, Muoto gains enhanced functionality, including high-performance sealability.

Metsä Group’s Muoto has received the 2025 ScanStar Award from the Scandinavian Packaging Association (SPA) for its innovative range of wood fibre-based food packaging. The jury highlighted the product’s strengths from economic, technological, and environmental viewpoints among 44 submissions across Nordic region. Central to the decision were Muoto’s modular and future-proof design, and its positive contributions to sustainability. Additionally, considerations such as graphic design, ease of use, performance across the supply chain, transport and handling efficiency, material savings, and economic benefits were all taken into account. Muoto Twin is a uncoated food-safe fibrous product concept designed for both serving and take-away. The multi-layered structure manufactured by 3D-fibre technology enables the combination of lightweight design with exceptional sturdiness. Its smart, modular 2-in-1 design allows two identical parts to interlock—simply flip and rotate one to create a secure lid for the other, making it ideal for convenient, take-away packaging. The material is produced with sufficient water and grease resistance for food service and takeaway use, without harmful fluorinated compounds such as PFAS. The wood raw material comes from responsibly grown certified forests, and the supply chain is fully transparent and traceable.

Our new Laminated Fibre series developed in collaboration with global packaging leader Amcor, represents a significant step forward— moving from successful product development into pre-commercial sales phase and market testing with key partners in food packaging industry. We understand the importance of keeping food protected and fresh for extended periods. That’s why Muoto Laminated Fibre products are engineered with enhanced barrier properties and sealability, combining robust moulded fibre trays with carefully selected films. Our laminated products are suitable for MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) and VSP (Vacuum Skin Packaging). The flange area of our laminated products used for sealing is continuous and rigid, ensuring reliable and secure seal without risk of leakage. Thanks to our advanced 3D fibre technology, the tray shape is precisely designed to fit into the existing tray packing processes. Just like our Uncoated Fibre products, our Laminated Fibre solutions remain easily recyclable in the paper and paperboard waste stream and contain no added PFAS during manufacturing. The fibre component is made from renewable wood fibre sourced from Nordic forests. Muoto Laminated Fibre Series products and their detailed technical specifications are available in our web catalogue. We offer products in limited volumes to selected customers as part of our pre-commercial sales phase, where direct feedback plays a key role in refining the product. This industrial testing phase also enables us to explore new formats and sizes for a wider range of food applications to create future packaging concepts.