Monthly Milestones in Sustainable Pulp and Paper Initiatives

Sustainability has rapidly become a catalyst for opportunity and transformation within the pulp and paper sector. As environmental priorities move to the center of global business strategy, companies across the industry are unlocking new revenue streams, operational efficiencies, and product innovations driven by a commitment to responsible resource management.

Each month brings a wave of fresh advancements—demonstrating how leadership in sustainability is not only achievable but is actively reshaping the competitive landscape and accelerating progress toward a greener economy.

IKEA Components Begins Phase out of Plastic Fitting Bags with Paper-Based Products

IKEA Components is transitioning from plastic fitting bags to paper-based alternatives as part of its Plastics Out Agenda, with the objective of eliminating all plastic from consumer packaging by 2028. The rollout, beginning in FY25, is expected to reduce annual virgin plastic use by approximately 1,400 tons. The new paper-based fitting bags—used for packaging screws, bolts, and Allen keys—are produced in manufacturing facilities in Malacky, Slovakia, and Nantong, China, utilizing paper made from production waste and wood residue. Although a thin plastic coating is retained for durability, the bags remain recyclable, and ongoing research is focused on identifying renewable alternatives for this final plastic component.

This gradual implementation started in FY25 with new product launches such as the STOCKHOLM 2025 collection and selected items from existing lines including PAX and KALLAX. The initiative will expand across additional product categories through 2028, aligning with broader sustainability objectives. Read more: www.esgnews.com

Image Source: Ikea

European Containerboard Industry Comes out with Roadmap to Net Zero

The European containerboard industry has released a comprehensive roadmap to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. This strategy details essential findings, sector commitments, and policy recommendations to facilitate the transition to a climate-neutral future. Developed collaboratively with CLIMACT and leading experts, the roadmap emphasizes the critical importance of energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, circular economy models, and innovative technologies in decarbonizing containerboard manufacturing. By establishing clear milestones, the industry is focused on minimizing environmental impact while maintaining competitiveness and ensuring ongoing production of high-quality, sustainable packaging materials. “The publication of this roadmap marks a defining moment for our industry,” stated Markus Gärtner, President, Containerboard Europe. Read more: www.paperfirst.info

Kind Snacks Brings out Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt Single Bars in Recyclable Paper Wrapper

Kind Snacks has introduced a curbside recyclable paper wrapper to replace conventional plastic packaging. The Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt single bars are now available in select Whole Foods Market locations across Arizona, Southern California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Texas, packaged in these sustainable paper wrappers. This six-month campaign will run through October 2025. Read more: www.thecooldown.com

Image Source: KIND

Absolut Conducts Trials on Paper-Based Cap & Bottle in Collaboration with Blue Ocean Closures

Absolut partnered with Blue Ocean Closures (BOC) to conduct pilot trials of a paper-based cap and bottle solution. The combined components were evaluated by bartenders at the Absolut The Map event in May 2025 to assess performance, handling, and user experience in practical settings. Ongoing quality assurance testing and a limited release in select markets are planned. The current cap design comprises a body made with over 95% FSC-certified fibers and a thin plastic top-seal barrier. Absolut’s long-term strategy is to transition this plastic layer to a biobased alternative, making the entire cap from renewable resources. Read more: www.packagingstrategies.com

Herbal Drinks Company Twinings & Co Selects Sonoco's Paper Can for New Powdered Drink Twinings Thé Latté

Twinings & Co. has adopted Sonoco’s Paper Can for the launch of its new powdered beverage, Twinings Thé Latté. The innovative can features a paper base made from recycled fiber and utilizes water-based inks and adhesives, delivering both durability and sustainability. Read more: www.packworld.com

Paper From Recycled Coffee Cups Used for Printing Children’s Book 'Little Coffee Cup and the Big Surprise'

"Little Coffee Cup and the Big Surprise," a children’s book by Hayley Slack, was produced using paper sourced from recycled coffee cups through James Cropper’s CupCycling process. Each copy utilizes material from 13 recycled cups collected across the UK, which are processed at James Cropper’s Burneside mill to create new paper for printing. Read more: www.packagingeurope.com

Image Source: James Cropper

Carccu Custom Printed Deli Paper Recognized for Contributing to PFAS-Free Food Packaging

Carccu has been recognized as a key contributor to the expanding PFAS-free food packaging market, according to a recent report from Grand View Research. The company produces deli papers that are free from PFAS chemicals, supplying these products to food service businesses throughout the Nordic region and internationally. Deli papers used in professional kitchens must deliver reliable performance, including effective resistance to grease and moisture. To address these requirements, Carccu utilizes barrier coatings that do not contain PFAS, instead relying on alternative technologies and materials to provide adequate protection for food contact applications. Read more: www.einpresswire.com

Ruizhi Machinery Brings out Bread Packaging Paper Bag Machine

Ruizhi Machinery has introduced the RZFD-450AW bread paper bag machine to address the needs of bakeries requiring advanced packaging solutions. Equipped with a high-speed gear drive system, the machine achieves production rates of up to 130 paper bags per minute, supporting the high-volume demands of small and medium-sized bakeries and bread suppliers. It enables efficient mass production, delivering notable improvements in productivity. The machine also offers precise printing, folding, and gluing capabilities, ensuring each paper bag is securely sealed to protect product integrity and extend shelf life. Read more: www.mted.com

To explore in-depth analysis of sustainability’s impact on profitability and operational strategy in the pulp and paper industry, download our free eBook, “In the Green: Profitability and Sustainability in Pulp and Paper.”