Iconic Finnish Design Meets Sustainable Packaging: Marimekko’s Partnership with Stora Enso

(IN BRIEF) In a collaborative effort to reimagine gift packaging, Marimekko, the renowned Finnish design house, partnered with Stora Enso, a leading provider of renewable packaging solutions. The aim was to create a new, sustainable packaging portfolio featuring Marimekko’s iconic Unikko print, tailored to enhance user experience and reflect the brand’s Nordic identity. Led by Eija Salmela, Marimekko’s Head of Concept, Home & Production Planning, the joint venture resulted in stylish and eco-friendly boxes made from renewable certified materials. By leveraging Stora Enso’s expertise in design and production, the project achieved a seamless transition from concept to reality, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Anna Kjellberg, Design Project Manager at Stora Enso, highlighted the challenge of designing a flexible packaging range to accommodate diverse product sizes while prioritizing cost-efficiency and sustainability. Through close collaboration and user-centric design principles, the partnership yielded a versatile packaging solution that aligns with Marimekko’s commitment to bringing joy to everyday lives through vibrant designs. With production localized in Finland and Europe, using wood fiber from Nordic forests, the initiative underscores a dedication to environmental responsibility. Stora Enso’s emphasis on customer engagement and iterative design processes ensured that the final product met the unique needs of Marimekko and its discerning customers, embodying the ethos that together, innovation thrives.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 31-May-2024 — /EuropaWire/ —Stora Enso (HEL: STERV), a leading provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wooden constructions and paper, announces strategic collaboration with Marimekko, the renowned Finnish design house, to revolutionize its packaging strategy. This innovative venture aims to introduce a new line of scalable and eco-friendly packaging solutions for Marimekko’s diverse range of products.

Drawing on Stora Enso’s expertise in renewable materials and sustainable production, the collaboration has resulted in the creation of stylish boxes crafted from fiber-based corrugated board, adorned with Marimekko’s iconic Unikko print. This partnership signifies Marimekko’s commitment to environmental responsibility while maintaining its signature Nordic design aesthetic.

The primary objective of this collaboration was to enhance user experience and brand identity while minimizing waste. By eliminating unnecessary elements such as paper, ribbons, or stickers, the new packaging ensures both functionality and aesthetics, effectively protecting delicate items like plates, vases, trays, and mugs.

Eija Salmela, Marimekko’s Head of Concept, Home & Production Planning, expressed enthusiasm about the launch of the new gift packaging, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the beloved Unikko print. She emphasized the importance of bringing joy to customers’ everyday lives through bold prints and colors, underscoring the potential for the packaging to serve a secondary purpose in customers’ homes.

The collaboration between Marimekko and Stora Enso exemplifies a harmonious synergy between two industry leaders. By leveraging Stora Enso’s design expertise and production capabilities, Marimekko was able to realize its vision for sustainable and aesthetically pleasing packaging solutions.

Anna Kjellberg, Design Project Manager at Stora Enso, highlighted the challenges of creating a flexible packaging portfolio that balances cost-efficiency and sustainability. Through meticulous planning and close collaboration with Marimekko, the team successfully developed a range of box sizes to accommodate various products while minimizing environmental impact.

Furthermore, Stora Enso’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of renewable materials sourced from Nordic forests, as well as local production to reduce carbon footprint. By prioritizing the needs of both retailers and consumers, Stora Enso ensured that the new packaging design aligns with Marimekko’s brand values and customer expectations.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Marimekko and Stora Enso represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. By combining expertise, creativity, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, the partnership has set a new standard for packaging design in the industry.

Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials and wooden construction, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world. We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Stora Enso has approximately 20,000 employees and our sales in 2023 were EUR 9.4 billion. Stora Enso shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Oy (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm AB (STE A, STE R). In addition, the shares are traded in the USA as ADRs and Ordinary Shares (SEOAY, SEOFF, SEOJF).

SOURCE: STORA ENSO OYJ

MORE ON STORA ENSO, ETC.: