Initially unveiled at the last Luxe Pack show in Monaco, the new version of Metsä Board’s Skincare Box was presented in detail in Paris during the PCD 2018 show.
The outer rigid box is made with a new pulp moulding process - especially designed for Metsä Fibre’s pure fresh fibre pulp
Created by Metsä Board’s packaging design team, the new SkinCare 2.0 gift box demonstrates a more environmentally friendly packaging design through the use of lighter weight paperboard materials and the elimination of the plastic wrap. In addition, each box design offers a unique opening and reclosing experience combined with maximum runnability performance on automated packaging lines.
“The number of people in this planet is growing – by 2030 we will be 8.5 billion. Simultaneously, the number of products and packaging put on the market is growing too. As a consequence, plastic waste is becoming a major issue. According to a report published last year by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish measured by weight,” explained Cyril Drouet, Metsä Board’s Design & Innovation Director.
As a pioneer in lightweight paperboard, Metsä Board intends to help its customer to address these new challenges.
100% plastic free
The first innovation of the SkinCare 2.0 gift box can be seen with the outer rigid box which is made with a new pulp moulding process - especially designed for Metsä Fibre’s pure fresh fibre pulp.
The inner fitment is made of a plastic-like polymer derived from wood and sugar cane fibres for a 100% recyclable packaging. This method offers an alternative to conventional thermoformed plastic providing a sustainable and fully biodegradable solution.
The lid, base and inner inserts are extremely rigid, lightweight and smooth on both sides. This new method allows for good printing results; the lid and base are printed with water based ink, providing a natural and soft touch feel. The window cut-out on the lid partially shows the contents. For this new edition Metsä Board decided not to use a removable plastic window ensuring that this solution only uses one material.
Beyond the rigid gift box, Mestä Board also investigated innovation avenues for secondary packaging and made three proposals:
The first inner box offers an innovative opening experience, without compromising the assembly on conventional fast packing lines. The pack opens when a small amount of pressure is applied at the front, breaking the perforations and allowing the lid to gently slide out. The inner linerboard base slowly unfolds giving a unique consumer experience typically seen on high-end rigid boxes. According to Metsä Board, these new features combined with light-weighted material result in a 25% packaging reduction compared with a traditional design.
The second packaging structure is completely sealed on the top and bottom eliminating the need for a security label or plastic wrap whilst it is displayed on a shop shelf. The box opens by a small press on the front that breaks the tamper evident perforations and slowly unfolds. The lid can also be reclosed to its original position.
The third box structure features a simplified half-cut opening mechanism. According to Metsä Board, these features and raw material light-weighting have resulted in a 30% reduction in packaging content compared with a traditional design.
"For more than 150 years, rigid boxes have been successfully employed in merchandising high-end products, including jewellery, cosmetics and spirits. As luxury brands are increasing their digital presence, more and more rigid boxes are travelling directly to consumer’s doors. It is therefore more important than ever to offer innovative sustainable solutions," concludes Cyril Drouet.
