In today’s rapidly evolving world, the pulp and paper industry is at the forefront of sustainability efforts, playing a crucial role in the transition towards a circular economy. As environmental concerns continue to rise, the industry is innovating to reduce waste and enhance recyclability, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and responsibly.
Below, we’ve highlighted the latest developments announced over the past month, showcasing significant strides made by companies and organizations in their commitment to sustainable practices and eco-friendly solutions.
Toy Manufacturer Lego Starts Using Paper-Based Bags
Lego, the toy manufacturer, is switching to paper-based bags for its sets, aligning with its dedication to sustainable packaging. This change aims to eliminate single-use plastics. Lego’s factories have begun producing the new packaging. Sets in Europe and Asia already feature paper-based bags, with plans to extend the rollout to the Americas. These bags are sturdy, easy to fold, and confirmed recyclable in the European Union, the US, and Canada. Read more: www.supplychaindigital.com
Minnestoa Discusses Ways to Implement Recyclable Packaging by 2032
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), together with local officials and business leaders, is exploring methods to eliminate packaging in Minnesota that is not refillable, reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2032. In 2024, Minnesota became the fifth state in the nation to enact the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act. This legislation includes an Extended Producer Responsibility policy that encourages sustainable practices and holds manufacturers accountable for the materials they produce.
The new law covers most packaging and paper products sold, offered for sale, distributed, or used to ship products within or into Minnesota, including online purchases and shipments. Exceptions are made for packaging related to infant formula, drugs or medical devices, and certain hazardous products. The MPCA has established a nonprofit Product Responsibility Stewardship Organization to develop a plan for implementing the policy statewide. Read more: www.twincities.com
Amazon Moves to Recyclable Delivery Packaging in Australia
Amazon has transitioned to using flexible paper bags and padded envelopes, which can be recycled through household recycling systems across Australia. This change applies to products sold by Amazon Australia and third-party sellers utilizing Fulfilment by Amazon. “Achieving 100% recyclable delivery packaging in Australia is a significant achievement. This initiative has been nearly two years in development, involving extensive product development and testing to ensure the paper envelopes are durable enough for the delivery process and that customer orders arrive intact,” stated Janet Menzies, Amazon Australia Country Manager. Read more: www.aboutamazon.com.au
Stora Enso Develops Sustainable Packaging for Wilfa’s ProBaker Product
Stora Enso has created protective inserts for Wilfa’s ProBaker kitchen mixer by combining Papira and corrugated board. Papira is a biobased, biodegradable foam derived from wood fibers harvested from sustainably managed forests. The redesigned packaging for the ProBaker cuts foam usage by 50% and reduces the overall box volume by 11%. Read more: www.packaging-gateway.com
Climate-Focused Frontier Coalition to Buy US$80 Million of Carbon Credits
Google, H&M, Stripe, and other members of the climate-focused Frontier coalition are set to purchase US$80 million worth of carbon credits. These credits will be sourced from a company employing oil industry technology to capture emissions from paper mills and another firm using rocks to capture emissions at sewage plants. Frontier reports that buyers have committed to paying US$48 million, or US$214 per ton, for credits covering 224,500 tons of emissions from 2028 to 2030, developed by CO280. Additionally, US$32.1 million, or US$447 per ton, will be spent on 71,878 tons from startup CREW. CO280 utilizes carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology from oil field services company SLB, applied to the smokestack of a paper mill, capturing carbon initially absorbed by the trees used in paper production. Read more: www.reuters.com
Smurfit Westrock Provides Recyclable Packaging to Mindful Chef
Smurfit Westrock has delivered fully recyclable packaging to Mindful Chef, reducing waste and ensuring complete traceability throughout the process. To ensure their fresh produce and ingredients arrived in optimal condition, the packaging’s durability was thoroughly tested in various ways. The Smurfit Westrock team adjusted the box sizes to maximize the number of boxes per lorry, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. To further enhance the boxes’ sustainability, Smurfit Westrock employs a glue seal on the recipe boxes, minimizing the use of plastic tape and decreasing its environmental impact. Read more: www.thepackagingportal.com
Dobis Brings Out Lightweight Shopping Bags with Mondi’s Recycled Papers
Dobis, a producer of paper bags, baking papers, and wrapping papers, is leveraging Mondi’s selection of paper grades with recycled fibers to create paper bags for the fashion, fast food, and retail sectors. Dobis has introduced:
- Eco/Vantage Kraft Pro for fast food and grocery uses, featuring ISEGA food approval and 20% recycled content
- Eco/Vantage Light Fashion, crafted entirely from recycled fibers, is designed for fashion and gift bags
- Eco/Vantage Kraft Classic, which combines 50% recycled content with a focus on strength and printability for food and fashion packaging.
This initiative has resulted in lightweight packaging that reduces material usage while preserving strength and print quality. Read more: www.packagingeurope.com
39% of People Are Inclined to Recycle Paper and Cardboard Products, Reveals PAMSA
According to a recent survey conducted by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), approximately 39% of participants reported that they consistently recycle their paper and cardboard products, while 36% do so occasionally. Meanwhile, 20% expressed a desire to recycle despite not currently doing so. Overall, in 2023, South Africa responsibly recycled 1.2 million tons of paper and paper packaging, conserving 3.6 million cubic meters of landfill space. Read more: www.infrastructurenews.co.za
Termotécnica Brings out DaColheita Bio Packaging to Export Fruits
Termotécnica, a producer of EPS packaging, has recently introduced its DaColheita bio packaging solution. This marks the company’s initial move towards diversifying its raw material base with a sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable option. Termotécnica claims that DaColheita packaging is 60% lighter than corrugated boxes, potentially lowering air freight expenses by up to 6%, leading to substantial savings across the supply chain and decreasing CO₂ emissions. Additionally, it aids in maintaining a stable temperature for transported goods, which is beneficial for items like premium grapes. Read more: www.fruitnet.com
