"In a market context that, on the one hand, is increasingly internationalized, and, on the other hand, is moving towards an increasingly specialized demand, it is important to have a good knowledge of one’s industry and keep listening to its customers," said Christophe Baudry, Commercial Director Beautycare & Healthcare, Metsä Board Paperboard.

Shorter delays

The new Express Board service centre at the Gohrsmühle offer service all year round, and since its creation, this centre has aimed at offering shorter lead times for all of the folding boxboard grades supplied by Metsä Board.

However, Metsä Board continues to recommend direct mill orders for customers who know their product specification and volume well in advance of delivery. The Express Board Service is designed for orders with short delivery lead times and for smaller orders.

There are many more short-term promotions and special occasion packs in today’s market, all of which need extra flexibility and fast response. The new Express Board Service is also ideal at other times of peak demand and for just-in-time delivery,” says Markku Romano, Metsä Board VP Cartonboard Sales in Europe and MEA.

New R&D centre

The maker of Carta Elega and Carta Integra also operates an R&D centre in Äänekoski, Finland. The centre participates in Metsä Board’s strategy to provide product innovation to its customers in the packaging industry.

We have relentlessly developed our paperboards, production processes and service to support customers in their business,” says CEO Mikko Helander. “At the same time, our work has achieved benefits in sustainability, for example, in the design of light but stiff boards and in production energy efficiency. Now we want to strengthen our R&D further and drive business forward based on new ideas, customer demand and feedback.

The first research projects are expected to come to fruition in 2014 or 2015.