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Exploring the Pulp and Paper Industry's Efforts in Sustainable Paper Solutions

Exploring the Pulp and Paper Industry's Efforts in Sustainable Paper Solutions

As global demand for paper products continues to rise, companies within the pulp and paper industry continue to produce innovative solutions for major companies to use. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, these companies are creating a diverse range of paper-based products that cater to various industries, from packaging and printing to hygiene and specialty papers, ensuring that they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. 

Below is a collection of recent headlines that offer a glimpse into the developments we're seeing.

Nestlé Works with Smurfit Westrock to Launch Paper-Based Tub for Its Quality Street Sweets

Smurfit Westrock has collaborated with Nestlé to introduce a paper-based container for its Quality Street sweets this Christmas, as Nestlé plans to test the packaging as part of its ongoing effort to minimize plastic usage. Now, both the container and the wrappers are recyclable in household systems after use. This redesign also allows for more boxes to be loaded onto a pallet, potentially lowering CO2 emissions. Read more: www.packworld.com

Smurfit Westrock's Nestle paper tub quality street sweets.

Image Source: Smurfit Westrock

Schumacher Packaging Secures Government Funding for Climate Protection Measures at Its Plant in Schwarzenberg

The Schumacher Packaging facility in Schwarzenberg has been awarded €51 million in government funding for climate protection initiatives. The company plans to transition its heat generation to climate-neutral biomass and produce green electricity for its production sites.

"This funding, spread over 15 years, marks a crucial step for Schumacher Packaging towards decarbonization and secures long-term production and employment in Schwarzenberg," stated Hendrik Schumacher, Chief Executive Officer. Read more: www.thepackagingportal.com

Mondi Introduces Recyclable IntegoBag to Transport Building Materials

Mondi has launched the IntegoBag for transporting building materials, designed to preserve their shelf life using protective barrier coatings instead of a free film. The FunctionalBarrier Paper from Mondi offers the necessary moisture protection, significantly lowering the PE content in the new paper bag.

These bags, available in both bleached and unbleached forms, come in standard packaging sizes and can hold up to 25kg. They are certified recyclable, based on tests conducted at Mondi's recycling laboratory in Frantschach, following CEPI's v.2 test method and 4evergreen’s fiber-based packaging recyclability evaluation protocol. Read more: www.mondigroup.com

Amazon to Trial Reusable Cardboard Boxes to Reduce Packaging

RE-ZIP, a provider of circular packaging solutions, will deliver reusable cardboard boxes to Amazon for a trial aimed at reducing packaging waste. These specially designed boxes by RE-ZIP can be easily folded and returned to Amazon by recipients. Customers can scan a QR code on the box with an app and drop off their box at a designated collection point.

Throughout October 2024, RE-ZIP will provide 45,000 reusable cardboard boxes to Amazon’s Lauwin-Planque fulfillment center. Following this, Amazon will assess the project's customer experience and operational efficiency to decide if it can be expanded to other locations as part of a long-term collaboration. Read more: www.businesswire.com

Re-zip Amazon reusable boxes.

Image Source: Business Wire

Metsä Board Offers Lightweight Micro-Flute Packaging to Cosmetics Brand HejBuddy

Metsä Board has provided a lightweight packaging solution to the cosmetics brand HejBuddy. Crafted from micro-flute corrugated board with Metsä Board’s white kraftliner, this packaging is 50% lighter than a rigid box made from recycled fibers. It also features a customizable sleeve for various branding requirements, offering a flexible and cost-effective option for brand owners. Read more: www.news.cision.com

Tesco and Zespri Bring out Kiwis in Recyclable Tray with Linerless Lid

Tesco and Zespri have launched a curbside recyclable tray and linerless lid for kiwi packaging, aiming to cut down on carbon emissions and move away from plastic flow wrap. The new packaging features a cartonboard tray from Smurfit Westrock and a linerless Fruit Lid. This comprehensive packaging solution is designed to eliminate the need for plastic flow wrap and is fully recyclable at the curbside. Read more: www.packagingeurope.com

Tesco and Zespri's recyclable paper tray.

Source: Packaging Europe

UPM Specialty Papers, Eastman Develop Biopolymer Coated Paper Packaging for Food Applications

UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman have created a biopolymer-coated paper packaging specifically for food applications. This innovative solution combines Eastman’s bio-based and compostable Solus performance additives with BioPBS polymer to apply a thin coating on UPM’s compostable and recyclable barrier base papers. This combination enhances the barrier-boosting capabilities of UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Prego barrier base papers, achieving a level of performance that the individual components cannot reach alone.

It provides excellent heat sealability while preserving barrier protection when folded, making it ideal for flexible packaging. Additionally, this technology is compatible with standard LDPE extrusion coating equipment, eliminating the need for additional investment. Due to the thinness of the coating layer, the solution is designed to be recycled within existing fiber recycling streams, enabling brands to embrace sustainable packaging. Read more: www.news.cision.com

BioPak Launches BioBoard Sushi Tray Range

BioPak has launched the BioBoard Sushi Tray range, targeting Japanese restaurants and sushi retailers in Australia and New Zealand. Created in partnership with a prominent sushi retailer, these trays are crafted from FSC-certified premium paper and feature an aqueous coating. The company claims these trays are more durable than conventional plastic trays and can be customized with branding to meet specific business requirements. Read more: www.packagingnews.com

To explore comprehensive insights into industry trends, challenges, and opportunities related to decarbonization, water conservation, and alternatives to plastic in the pulp and paper sector, download our latest eBook.

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