Product development
With our commitment to research and development, we aim to maintain our position as industry innovators, focusing on continuously improving our paperboard products.
Development to stay on top
Innovation has been a core value at Holmen Iggesund since we started manufacturing our paperboard family Invercote in 1963.
We were the first to introduce a multi-layered solid bleached board in Europe. We were also the first to introduce a double-coated paperboard with identical print sides. A patented coating formula gives our boards a lightfastness second to none. Today we are investing heavily in research and development, not least to keep our place as a leading innovator.
But development work isn't just about the big steps - it is also about continuously refining and upgrading our products. Our goal is to be the best in everything we do, and providing our customers with eco-friendly products that meet their needs in every way possible is just as important as introducing new products.
That’s why we strive to make sure that all our paperboard solutions are not only high-performing but also kinder to both people and the environment.
The development work at Holmen Iggesund has three focus areas:
Increase protection
One of the most important factors for the level of protection that a paperboard package can offer is bending stiffness. Increasing bending stiffness has been a priority of every board maker since paperboard for packaging purposes was developed more than 150 years ago.
Increasing the level of protection was originally cost-driven as a way to reduce the material used in every package. Today, the sustainability aspect has also become a strong driver. To reduce packaging waste and minimise the environmental impact, we need packages that are light but still offer the same level of protection.
Learn more about why bending stiffness matters here.
Increase printability
A smooth surface and a coating formula that increases the print quality are key when your package must be able to convey the outstanding features of the packaged product. Our goal is to create paperboard solutions that not only have perfect printability but also a structure that meets the needs of our customers. Our goal is that every package made from Invercote or Incada should have the potential to stand out on the shop shelf.
Within this focus area, we also look at functional surfaces - combinations of paperboard and other materials that can add functionality beyond what paperboard can do on its own. Together with leading suppliers, we try to find, and test, non-fossil alternatives to conventional barriers against grease, humidity, water and aroma.
Learn more about why barriers matter here.
Increased usage of fibre
The use of renewable cellulose fibre material to square boxes is a limitation we want to get away from. Trays made from paperboard have been successful in replacing plastic trays in food packaging. Dry- and wet moulding of cellulose fibres offer the possibility of creating shapes that never could be done within the limits of traditional paperboard packaging.
Our purpose is to explore innovative applications where our foundational raw material - wood - can be utilized in revolutionary ways. We believe wood holds immense untapped potential that transcends the traditional confines of packaging. We're committed to exploring this potential, striving to establish ground-breaking, eco-friendly solutions that can redefine the role of wood in our lives. Leveraging advanced technologies and sustainability-driven methodologies, we aim to transform wood into a versatile resource, capable of replacing non-renewable materials in diverse sectors. Our vision is to pave the way for a sustainable future where wood isn't just seen as lumber but as an invaluable asset to our society and environment.
Learn more about why the packaging industry is changing here.
Cooperation for improvement
The forest industry is a strong force in the economies of both Sweden and Finland, and both countries have several highly qualified research and development institutions.
In Sweden, Holmen Iggesund has cooperations with KTH, Royal Institute of Technology, Chalmers University of Technology and several other universities. Another partner in many projects is RISE, a state-owned research institute collaborating with academia, industry, and society as a central part of the Swedish innovation system.
In Finland, we use Åbo Akademi University, KCL, an institute specialising in the bio-economy value chain, and VTT, a state-owned research institution.
Learning from our customers
Interaction with customers is a vital part of the development work. In joint projects, we address anything related to how our boards behave in our customer's process and look at possible modifications in order to increase productivity or strengthen properties that are crucial for the desired application.
The interaction gives us valuable input for our future product development and allows us to improve our existing products continuously.
Building a better tomorrow
It is important for Holmen Iggesund to see the whole picture when it comes to sustainability. We are continuously striving towards creating solutions that have as small climate impact as possible, but that also provide an economic benefit in return.
We are also committed to helping make sure that the resources available for manufacturing paperboard are used in the most efficient way possible. By optimising the use of wood fibres, energy and water, we provide a valuable contribution to minimising environmental impact.
Internships
We regularly welcome students from all over the world for internships, often inviting them to do their thesis for B.Sc. or M.Sc on subjects relevant to our production and products. We believe that knowledge sharing is beneficial both to the students and to Holmen Iggesund. Students can gain valuable experience from our experts while we get access to new perspectives on our processes and products.
In addition, we also offer summer internships in cooperation with universities, giving selected students the chance to work closely with our production staff. This gives them the opportunity to gain valuable insight into what a modern process industry could offer as a future workplace.
It is our goal that these internships not only provide a valuable learning experience for the students but also help us in improving our own processes and operations.
This will ensure that we can continue to provide top-quality products and solutions to meet our customers' needs today and tomorrow.
Three focus areas
Dive deeper into the three focus areas of Holmen's product development work.
Does bending stiffness matter?
Bending stiffness is the key factor that determines the level of protection a paperboard package can give.
Read moreWhy do barriers matter?
Paperboard is a fantastic material for several packaging types. But in some cases, there is a need for barriers.
Read moreThe industry is changing
Climate change and our use of fossil resources is one of the main drivers that is gradually changing the packaging industry.
Read more