Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping how packaging is conceived and produced.
For Metsä Board’s packaging design team, it’s not just a tool for automation — it’s a catalyst for creativity and sustainability.
According to Ilkka Harju, Packaging Services Director at Metsä Board, AI now supports multiple stages of the design process. “AI algorithms can generate design variations based on material type, cost, strength, and sustainability goals,” he explains. “It helps us maintain consistency in branding and visuals while freeing designers to focus on creativity.”
So far, the results have been promising: improved design efficiency, faster iterations, and optimized material use. Yet, Harju emphasizes that effective AI integration depends on data quality, computing power, and collaboration between humans and technology.
“AI can enhance structural design while reducing material use,” he notes. “It could also enable smart packaging with embedded sensors to monitor product freshness and improve traceability — key benefits for both brands and consumers.”
Beyond design, Metsä Board sees potential in applying AI to supply chain optimization, including demand forecasting, logistics, and inventory management. However, challenges remain — from data scarcity and high computational costs to ethical considerations and the need for skilled AI professionals.
Reflecting on these experiences, Harju highlights the importance of setting SMART goals for AI projects and establishing strong change management frameworks. “Humans remain at the centre of this transformation,” he says. “Success depends on collaboration, adaptability, and ensuring that AI delivers measurable value.”
For Metsä Board, AI is not replacing creativity — it’s enhancing it, enabling the company to push boundaries in sustainable, high-performance packaging design.
Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, is a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards for packaging and graphic uses. The company focuses on lightweight, recyclable materials and innovative design solutions that support a circular economy and reduce environmental impact.
