Renewable packaging products company Stora Enso has joined forces with Finnish design house Marimekko for a new, scalable, and recyclable gift packaging portfolio.  

The collection, featuring Marimekko's Unikko print, is made from renewable certified materials such as fibre-based corrugated board.  

This collaboration aims to provide a Nordic design solution that enhances the customer experience by removing unnecessary paper, ribbons, or stickers. 

The new packaging is intended to protect fragile items such as plates, vases, trays, and mugs. 

The partners co-created the new packaging range to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Unikko print.  

Designed by Maija Isola in 1964, the Unikko print has become a global symbol of the brand.  

Marimekko Concept, Home & Production Planning head Eija Salmela said: "We are delighted to be able to launch our new gift packaging celebrating the 60th anniversary of Unikko, our most beloved print. 

“We strive to bring joy to the everyday lives of people through bold prints and colours. Together with Stora Enso, we have created packaging that can do just this as it hopefully finds a second life and purpose in the homes of our customers.” 

Marimekko, established in 1951, is known for its vibrant prints across textiles, clothing, and home furnishings.  

The new packaging portfolio includes four box sizes and covers a range of the company’s different products. 

It also features two carriers, ensuring the multipurpose boxes are showcased rather than concealed in shopping bags. 

Stora Enso Business Expansion Division Packaging Solutions' design project manager Anna Kjellberg, who led the collaboration, said: "The biggest challenge was to make a flexible packaging portfolio to fit the widest range of different products from a cost-efficiency and sustainability perspective.” 

The packaging Is produced locally using wood fibre from Nordic forests, which ensures shorter delivery times and supports sustainability.  

To fully comprehend Marimekko's requirements, Stora Enso also conducted field observations and interviews with the company. 

Earlier this year, Stora Enso partnered with global retailer XXXLutz Group to explore eco-conscious packaging solutions for the furniture packaging industry.