A method for filling a plurality of microdepressions in a major surface of a web with finely divided powder in which the web is fed continuously to and through a powder filling stage including a driven roller. At the powder filling stage, the powder, which is fed either onto the web upstream of the roller or to the roller of the powder filling stage, is filled into the microdepressions of the web using the driven roller, wherein said roller is rotating about an axis generally transverse to the direction of web, while the surface speed of the roller and the web speed are different and wherein the roller and web are positioned relative to one another, such that between the upper surface of the web and the outer surface of the roller there is a gap. A method of manufacturing an elongate carrier with microdepressions containing finely divided powder comprising steps filling a plurality of microdepressions in a major surface of a web as described, removing from upper surface of the web excess powder not filled within the microdepressions and remaining on areas of the surface between the depressions, and optionally slitting and/or cutting the web in width and/or length.