18 Mar. 2025: Metsä Board has announced that switching from white-lined chipboard (WLC) to its folding boxboard can reduce the carbon footprint of food packaging by over 60%.

This finding is based on a recent life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted by Metsä Board and verified by the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.

The significant reduction is attributed to the use of fossil-free energy in Metsä Board’s manufacturing process and the lighter weight of fresh fibre paperboards. Despite their lower weight compared to recycled fibre alternatives, these paperboards maintain the strength and functionality required for packaging, making them a more sustainable choice.

“Over the past year, we have conducted verified LCA assessments across key packaging segments, including beautycare, healthcare, and now food packaging,” said Anne Uusitalo, Product Safety and Sustainability Director at Metsä Board. “These studies provide brand owners with data-driven insights to help them reduce the carbon footprint of their packaging and lower their Scope 3 emissions.”

Metsä Board has previously published verified assessments comparing its products with other board grades used for beautycare and pharmaceutical packaging. The LCA studies adhere to ISO 14025, 14040, and 14044 standards, ensuring the reliability and transparency of the findings.

Metsä Board remains committed to sustainability and innovation in the production of lightweight and high-quality folding boxboards, food service boards, and white kraftliners. The company uses renewable and recyclable fresh wood fibers sourced from Northern European forests, with a goal to achieve fossil-free mills and raw materials by 2030.

Metsä Board, a subsidiary of Metsä Group, recorded EUR 1.9 billion in sales in 2024 and employs approximately 2,300 people.