July Sustainability Successes in the Pulp and Paper Industry

As global markets place increasing emphasis on sustainable practices, the pulp and paper industry is leveraging this momentum to drive innovation and growth. The demand for environmentally responsible solutions has opened new avenues for value creation, enabling companies to develop advanced products, streamline operations, and strengthen strategic partnerships.

By prioritizing sustainability, pulp and paper producers are not only meeting evolving regulatory requirements and consumer preferences but also establishing themselves as key contributors in the transition to a low-carbon economy. This dynamic landscape continues to generate opportunities for operational excellence and long-term commercial success across the sector.

Here are some of the top headlines from the past month.

Luxury Packaging Inclined Towards Sustainability, Suggests Report

A recent joint report from Bain & Company and Fedrigoni Group underscores a fundamental transformation in luxury packaging, driven by sustainability imperatives. Drawing on insights from over 500 senior executives across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the study—titled "Luxury Packaging: Resolving the Tension Between Creativity and Impact"—projects that sustainable solutions will account for more than 30% of luxury packaging sales within the next three years.

While historically characterized by visual sophistication and exclusivity, luxury packaging is increasingly being reshaped to align with environmental priorities. Brands are adopting biodegradable substrates, innovative specialty papers, and mycelium-based materials, alongside streamlined designs to minimize emissions and optimize logistics. Reducing package weight and volume is now the leading supply chain sustainability focus, highlighted by 43% of respondents, followed by the integration of reusable packaging solutions (25%) and lightweight protective materials (17%). Read more: www.gulfbusiness.com

Sappi Europe Lowers Carbon Footprint of Galerie Paper Range by 55%

Sappi Europe has achieved a 55% reduction in the carbon footprint of its Galerie paper range at the Kirkniemi mill in Lohja, following the facility’s 2023 transition to renewable biomass energy. This shift resulted in a 90% decrease in scope 1 emissions. Additionally, the deployment of clean electricity at the mill has eliminated scope 2 indirect emissions. Collectively, these measures have driven significant progress in lowering the environmental impact of Sappi’s Galerie paper products. Read more: www.paperfirst.info

Kotányi Launches New Spice Range in Sonoco's GreenCan Packaging

Kotányi GmbH, a leader in the spice industry, has partnered with Sonoco to introduce a new line of herbs and spice blends in sustainable packaging. The collection debuts in Sonoco’s GreenCan, underscoring Kotányi’s strategic commitment to environmentally responsible solutions. This launch addresses shifting consumer demands and features a diverse selection of expertly formulated blends—including Cool Chick, Little Italy, Potato Party, Wonder Wok, Curry Crush, Avocado Love, among others. The range is designed to meet evolving fusion cuisine trends and offers versatile applications across both vegan and non-vegan culinary preparations. Read more: www.sonocoeurope.com

Huhtamaki Launches New Compostable Ice Cream Cups

Huhtamaki, a global provider of sustainable food packaging solutions, has introduced a new line of ice cream cups that integrates advanced product innovation with strong consumer appeal. These cups are certified for both home and industrial composting and are fully recyclable, representing a significant step forward in eco-friendly packaging for the ice cream sector. Manufactured from responsibly sourced, certified paperboard and featuring a bio-based coating, the cups reduce reliance on fossil-based plastics, maintaining plastic content below 10%. Read more: www.huhtamaki.com

Riverford Uses Parkside's Recyclable Packaging for Fresh Produce

Parkside’s innovative packaging solutions are enabling organic produce supplier Riverford to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables in sustainable, recyclable packaging. The newly developed bags utilize a vertical form fill seal process and are crafted from kerbside-recyclable, paper-based materials enhanced with advanced water-based coatings for superior moisture and grease resistance. This ensures the integrity and freshness of Riverford’s root vegetables throughout transport from farm to customer delivery. Read more: www.parksideflex.com

Aldi to Launch Grape Juice in SIG's Terra Aluminum-Free Aseptic Carton Pack

SIG has introduced its new SIG Terra aluminum-free, full barrier aseptic carton packs for Aldi’s Rio d’oro grape juice launch. These cartons deliver full barrier protection and maintain a shelf life of up to 12 months, matching the performance of standard SIG aseptic materials. The innovative packaging is composed of more than 80% paper and replaces the traditional aluminum layer with an ultra-thin polymer coating, effectively safeguarding against oxygen, light, moisture, and aroma loss. Read more: www.packaging-gateway.com

For an in-depth examination of the opportunities and challenges shaping sustainability in the pulp and paper industry, download our eBook, "In the Green: Profitability and Sustainability in Pulp and Paper."