Segezha Group opened an R&D Сentre at its timber cluster in the town of Segezha, Republic of Karelia, Russia. This is the first corporate R&D centre in the Russian pulp and paper industry. R&D Сentre will specialise in the development of efficient, high-tech types of paper packaging. Its employees will optimise the design of packaging, develop new types of products and test packaging solutions. The main focus will be on thermoformed, food, e-commerce and small-format packaging. Particular attention will be given to advanced solutions, i.e. packaging with biocoating and embossing, packaging for fresh products and packaging made from recycled materials.
Investments amounted to about RUB 90 million ($1.2 million). The Centre features more than 30 units of modern testing and measuring equipment designed for testing new materials and coatings, making prototypes and preparing products for mass manufacturing.
The new structural unit will carry out joint projects with the holding company’s customers and work with Russia’s leading universities, as well as Russian and foreign start-ups.
By 2022, the share of new packaging products and solutions in Segezha Group’s portfolio should reach at least 10%. The group aims to replace plastic products and meet the needs of sustainability-conscious consumers.
