In a move reflecting the shifting landscape of the packaging industry, Finnish multinational Huhtamaki has announced the commencement of smooth molded fiber (SMF) production at its existing facility in Lurgan, Northern Ireland.
The expansion, revealed on October 18, 2024, comes as manufacturers worldwide grapple with increasing pressure to provide more sustainable packaging solutions.
The Lurgan facility, which has a 70-year history in paper pulping, will now produce fiber lids alongside its existing product line. This development is part of a broader trend in the packaging industry, as companies seek alternatives to traditional plastic products in response to environmental concerns and changing consumer preferences.
Fredrik Davidsson, President of Fiber Foodservice E-A-O at Huhtamaki, stated that the expansion would allow the company to supply locally made fiber lids to customers in the UK and Ireland. The move aligns with a growing emphasis on localized production, which can potentially reduce transportation-related emissions.
Huhtamaki is a leading global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world.