Finnish Jospak collects a million euros in funding – production capacity of ecological food-packaging trays to increase significantly

The cardboard tray that Jospak has developed for the food industry is coated with a thin plastic film. The packaging contains 85% less plastic than traditional gas-tight food-packaging trays made of plastic.

The packaging solution provided by Jospak supports corporate and state policies aimed at reducing the use of plastic. Now, with the aid of a private placement, the company has collected a million euros in funding, which will enable its next surge of growth. Jospak serves reference clients in the Nordic countries and Central Europe.

‘At the moment, Jospak is at an interesting crossroads. The company’s turnover has started to grow rapidly, and we have great international clients. We have also expanded our distribution network in Europe during the past year. Production capacity must grow at the same rate. The owners´ decision to invest further in the company was very rational’, says COB Juhani O. Kuusisto.

Thanks to the additional funding, a third production line can be commissioned this spring in Forssa, as planned. This will multiply Jospak’s monthly production capacity in relation of the trays. Together with the increase in production capacity, automation of the production lines will allow the company to meet growing demand on the international market.

‘The industry is actively seeking solutions to reduce the amount of plastic in particular. For the food industry, plastic is still an unbeatable material for preventing food waste, as the gas tightness of plastic ensures that food is preserved for the desired period. Our material-efficient packaging solution combines the best qualities of plastic and cardboard while optimising plastic use. To recycle the entire package, the consumer only needs to remove the plastic film from the cardboard tray’, explains Jospak’s Managing Director Tarja Heikkilä.

The increase in production will create the need for more employees too. Jospak employs 13 persons in product and technology development, sales, and production in Forssa, Finland. Jospak increased the number of its board members to five in connection with the private placement. Commercial counselor Clas Göran Hagström is experienced board professional with international career in consumer goods industry. Eira Anttila in the other hand is an experienced management consultant in finance. 

The aim is to grow rapidly on the international market over the next few years. The international awards granted to Jospak are clearly reflected in the number of international contacts received by the company. The company’s success has been boosted by the WorldStar award provided by World Packaging Organization (WPO). Last year, Jospak also won the World Star Sustainability category, in which the world’s best sustainable packages were presented with awards.