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Sustainability Roundup: Pulp and Paper Initiatives Driving Market Leadership

Picture of ResourceWise ResourceWise : Nov 12, 2025 1:56:35 PM

Pulp and Paper Sustainability and Decarbonization
Sustainability Roundup: Pulp and Paper Initiatives Driving Market Leadership

Sustainability is reshaping the global pulp and paper industry, sparking advancements that balance environmental responsibility with business growth. As demand increases for eco-friendly solutions, companies are leveraging innovative technologies to reduce carbon footprints, improve resource efficiency, and develop renewable, recyclable packaging materials. These industry-wide initiatives present new opportunities for forward-thinking organizations to lead in both market competitiveness and sustainable practices.

In this monthly roundup, we explore recent developments that exemplify the industry’s ongoing transformation.

Ahlstrom Launches Home-Compostable Coffee Pod Range “GreenPod Home”

Ahlstrom has introduced its new GreenPod Home range, a line of home-compostable coffee pods that fully biodegrade in household settings without releasing toxic residues or microplastics. Compatible with all leading converting machines, these pods deliver reliable brewing performance. This launch bolsters Ahlstrom's commitment to sustainability and broadens its collection of environmentally friendly tea and coffee packaging options. Read more: www.paper-world.com

European Paper Sack Industry Sets Roadmap to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050

The European paper sack and sack kraft paper sector has established a detailed pathway to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and Science-Based Targets initiative. This strategy encompasses comprehensive reductions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, building on a 28% decline in carbon footprint per sack since 2007. Ongoing collaboration is central to progress, as industry partnerships continue to deliver innovative low-carbon technologies and advance circular economy models. Read more: www.paperfirst.info

Cleaning Brands Embrace Refillable Packaging to Cut Plastic Waste

Household cleaning brands like Kao, Clean Cult, and Elopak are transitioning from single-use plastics to refillable and sustainable packaging options. This change is driven by rising consumer interest in eco-friendly products and underscores the importance of innovation, collaboration, and consumer engagement. Elopak’s role underscores the growing use of paper-based packaging to promote a circular economy and cut plastic waste in household cleaning. Read more: www.packaginginsights.com

Smurfit Westrock Develops Recyclable Corrugated Packaging for Dermalux Medical Devices

Smurfit Westrock Chesterfield has provided Dermalux, a medical LED phototherapy device maker, with a recyclable, reusable corrugated cardboard box for protection, replacing traditional EPS packaging. Made from Hexacomb, their paper-based cardboard sheet, the box offers an eco-friendly solution. Smurfit Westrock states this recyclable packaging safeguards Dermalux’s LED devices, valued between £3,000 (US$4,030) and £20,000 (US$26,690). Read more: www.packaginginsights.com

Suzano Highlights Its Role in Transforming Raw Materials into Paper for Books

Suzano, the world’s largest pulp producer and a leader in eucalyptus-based bioproducts, is strengthening its contribution to the publishing and education sectors by producing white offset paper at its Limeira (SP) plant. This high-quality paper, widely utilized in textbooks and educational resources, advances literacy and learning both within Brazil and internationally.  The company emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility in transforming pulp into products that promote knowledge and culture. Read more: www.suzano.come.br

Coop Denmark to Package Yoghurt and Sour Milk in Elopak Cartons

Elopak has announced that Coop Denmark will utilize its beverage cartons—specifically those without plastic screw caps—to package its private-label yoghurt and Ymer sour milk products, a shift projected to eliminate six million screw caps annually. By selecting Elopak’s Pure-Pak cartons made with natural brown board and omitting plastic closures, Coop Denmark anticipates saving 17 tons of plastic and reducing CO2 emissions by 48 tons each year. The Pure-Pak carton is produced using renewable materials, significantly lowers plastic content, and maintains an easy-opening design for consumer convenience. Read more: www.packagingeurope.com

Stora Enso Launches Ensovelvet for Luxury Packaging Applications

Stora Enso has introduced Ensovelvet, an uncoated solid bleached sulfate (SBS) board featuring a velvet-like smoothness on both sides. It is tailored for luxury packaging, including cosmetics and perfumes, that demand premium, sustainable, and highly printable materials. Read more: www.packworld.com

 

For professionals in the pulp and paper industry, focusing on sustainability is both an ethical duty and a strategic requirement in today’s marketplace. Long-term profitability depends on understanding the changing challenges and the opportunities that sustainability provides. By gaining knowledge and implementing practical strategies, your organization can effectively manage this transition and discover new value streams.

To discover how to turn sustainable goals into tangible business outcomes, check out our eBook, "In the Green: Profitability and Sustainability in Pulp and Paper."

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