1 Dec 2022: Throughout 2022, we’ve seen the Pulp and Paper industry go above and beyond to place sustainability matters at the forefront of its priorities.
This includes the countless new products that have been introduced as sustainable alternatives, more companies joining carbon reduction initiatives, and an impressive number of sustainability-related awards that were handed out to the deserving companies from across our industry. To round out the year, we’ve listed some of the most recent developments within the P&P industry driving the effort to create a more sustainable environment.
Nestle's Nespresso to Sell Paper-Based Compostable Coffee Pods
Nestle's Nespresso coffee business is launching paper-based compostable capsules to attract customers put off by the Swiss packaged food giant's metal ones, which despite being recyclable often end up in landfill.
Nespresso CEO Guillaume Le Cunff told Reuters that not all customers were aware that its aluminum capsules are recyclable, and may be more comfortable with the compressed paper pulp pods.
"The objective is not to replace all the aluminum pods with paper, but to give the consumer more choice. It's an alternative for sustainable options," Le Cunff said in an interview.
Amcor Sustainability Report Reflects on Landmark Year, Reveals Higher Target for Recycled Content
Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, released its 2022 Sustainability Report, detailing continued progress against key sustainability metrics and announcing an enhanced target to achieve 30% recycled content across its portfolio by the end of the decade.
The new recycled content target, which is three times its previous target of 10%, comes as Amcor reflects on a landmark year for its efforts on sustainability. In fiscal year 2022, the company committed to net zero emissions by 2050, more than doubled post-consumer recycled material purchased since 2019, and achieved a Gold rating from EcoVadis for its industry-leading sustainability practices, placing Amcor among the top 5% of all companies assessed.
Monadnock Launches HP Indigo Solutions Portfolio of 100% Post-Consumer Waste Recycled Material
Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. is pleased to announce its HP Indigo Solutions Portfolio of 100% Post-Consumer Waste (PCW) paper, packaging, and environmental graphics materials. The product portfolio, complete with a comprehensive listing of available weights, sizes, and properties, is now featured in a comprehensive Stock Guide publication.
Either certified or optimized for use on HP Indigo printers, all portfolio offerings are made with Forest Stewardship Council-certified 100% PCW recycled fiber, manufactured carbon neutral and made with 100% Green-e certified wind powered electricity. Additionally, the recycled paper is processed chlorine free, and the entire production process operates under third-party Certified ISO 14001 Environmental and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
Mars Bars & Snickers to Get New Recyclable Paper-Based Wrapper
Mars New Zealand has announced a major step forward in its sustainability journey by committing to transition the company’s much-loved Mars, Snickers and Milky Way chocolate bars to new paper-based wrappers that can be recycled via traditional curbside recycling.
This change to paper-based packaging will reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfill each year by 11 tonnes, or more than seven million wrappers.
The Corrugated Cardboard Industry Presents Its Ambition for Climate Neutrality by 2050
FEFCO (the European Federation of Corrugated Cardboard Manufacturers) announced the launch of its Climate Neutrality Roadmap conducted by Climact.
This work responds to the EU Green Deal goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80–95% by 2050. Building on past achievements and thorough analytical work, the roadmap describes how the corrugated cardboard sector is committed to achieving climate neutrality. It lays out key milestones, the most plausible scenarios, the required investments, and the necessary policy measures to reach this goal.
The key findings show that the corrugated cardboard industry can reduce its carbon footprint emissions through actions directly within its control by 2050 compared to business as usual (BAU):
- Improvements in material efficiency and circularity that would reduce the footprint by 3,3 Mt CO2eq. (or 19%) by 2050 compared to BAU; and
- Further improvements in energy efficiency and decarbonization of the energy mix would reduce the footprint by an additional 2,8 Mt CO2eq. (or 16%) by 2050 compared to BAU.
FEFCO Hails European Commission's Proposal for Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
FEFCO welcomed the European Commission’s proposal for a Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation that will contribute to the EU’s circular economy and climate neutrality ambitions. The Commission’s proposal included a transition from a Directive to a Regulation as it will allow for improved harmonization of packaging requirements and facilitate a level playing field in the European single market. Additionally, the waste reduction targets established by the proposal are a necessary step towards improving waste prevention and packaging sustainability across the EU.
The proposal provides a balanced approach to ensure that packaging “be designed, manufactured and commercialized in such a way as to allow for its re–use or high–quality recycling”. This recognizes the complementarity of both reuse and recycling systems in improving circularity.
Yazoo Kids Switches to Cardboard Carton Packs
Yazoo Kids drink range has switched from plastic to cardboard carton packaging and it will include incredibly appealing designs showcasing the recognizable Minions characters in a new lunchbox-friendly, square packaging. The company is to introduce the new eco-friendly cardboard carton packaging in the autumn as part of its drive to make their packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.
Koozie Group Sourcing Sustainable Paper Stock for Calendars and Paper Mouse Pads
Koozie Group is stepping up its eco-conscious sourcing practices to help protect forests. The Clearwater, FL-based Top 40 promotional products supplier says that most of its calendars and all of its paper mouse pads, Souvenir Sticky Note pads and Souvenir scratch pads now come from facilities that are certified by either the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Both organizations focus on responsible forest management, offering certifications that aim to show that raw materials used to produce various products come from forests that are being managed to high levels of environmental and social responsibility standards.
Green Bay Packaging Honored for Large Investment in Sustainability
On the heels of a $500 million expansion — possibly the largest single-development project in Brown County’s history — Green Bay Packaging has been awarded for its commitment to sustainability and environmental improvement efforts. GBP, which completed expansion of its Green Bay facility in March, was recently named a Green Master by the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council as part of its Green Masters Program.
The program, which began in 2010, recognizes businesses that take key steps to improve sustainability and helps them create development plans for future sustainable projects. GBP has been honored as a Green Master each year since the program started. More specifically, GBP was awarded for its commitment to reducing water consumption.
Essentra Tapes Launches Paper-Based Solution Targeting the E-Commerce Industry
Essentra Tapes, a global tape solutions provider, has launched its paper-based tear tape Rippatape Halo under its ECO range. The solution aims to help brands and converters in e-commerce meet environmental goals whilst providing customers with more circular curbside recyclable packaging options.
The new solution is the first paper tape of its kind in the Essentra Tapes ECO range. Essentra claims it is externally certified as recyclable with paper achieving an A+ level via the Italian National Recyclability Standard: UNI 11743 and MC 501: 2017 criteria.
Rippatape Halo can be used for opening paper, carton or fiberboard and is the result of four years of lab testing. Essentra says the product has the easy opening qualities of its plastic alternative and is based on a single-ply, specialized coated paper with no plastic films or laminates.
Fisher International