Iiro Numminen, Packaging Designer

Iiro Numminen is a packaging designer who designs ecological packaging solutions at Metsä Board’s Excellence Centre in Äänekoski.

“It’s inspiring to see the sustainable packaging innovations we develop creating value around the world. I really enjoy working in a company that invests in research and development, innovates and offers solutions based on renewable raw materials.”

Towards a sustainable future one package at a time

Paperboard folding is a passion for Iiro, who fell for origami and paper sculpture folding as a child. What fascinates him in paperboard are the endless opportunities the material offers. After completing his bachelor’s degree in digital arts at Turku University of Applied Sciences in 2010, Iiro’s interest in paperboard folding led him to work as a packaging designer in a small family-owned company. In 2019, Iiro got the opportunity to join the Excellence Centre in Äänekoski. The new job offered a real front-row spot, as Iiro got to participate in the planning of the Excellence Centre.

“I was surprised by Metsä’s culture – the company really encourages self-development. I was also pleased to see how well Metsä looks after its employees. In addition to asking how you’re doing, the company continuously monitors employees’ coping,” Iiro explains.

It’s inspiring to see the sustainable packaging innovations we develop creating value around the world.

Iiro is responsible for designing and developing packaging solutions for the customers’ needs. His strengths include a solutions-oriented approach and a capacity for creative thinking. At Metsä, Iiro is known for his innovative designs – the packaging solution in which paperboard replaces bubble wrap, for example.

“I try to find sustainable and environmentally friendly methods for replacing plastic or reducing the use of material. Good design helps us avoid excessive packaging and alleviate the burden on nature and the environment. In this job, you see the role of your own solution in the entire value chain,” Iiro explains.

Development work in an international environment

For Iiro, innovation also means personal renewal – he develops his competence through training, for example. Iiro works in close cooperation with his own team in Äänekoski, as well as with the design team in North America, R&D, the customer feedback centre, packaging manufacturers and brands.

“We discuss our ideas within the team and with customers at workshops. We seek solutions for challenges in the near future, but also engage in long-term development projects. Although the team leader coordinates the team activities, each of us has their own area of responsibility. Cooperation with professionals around the world has enriched my own work with new perspectives. I experience this as highly motivating personal training,” Iiro describes.

Cooperation with professionals around the world has enriched my own work with new perspectives.

Megatrends guide packaging design

Climate change and sustainable development guide the daily work of packaging designers. Urbanisation, the increasing number of small households, digitalisation and the growth in online shopping have all changed packaging design, which must consider aspects like consumer needs, safety and logistics.

“Consumers and brands value sustainably produced solutions and the transparency of companies. We use sustainable materials and take the circular economy into account in our packaging designs. This work feels really meaningful,” Iiro says.