Pulp and Paper Players Announce More Foward-Looking Innovations for a Greener Future

3 min read

Fisher International : Mar 27, '23

As we kick off 2Q, a number of companies have launched forward-looking eco-friendly initiatives and products while many others have reached impressive sustainability-related milestones. We’ve gathered some of the top projects and achievements that have occurred throughout the Pulp & Paper industry over the last few weeks and included them below.

PepsiCo Trials Paper-Based Packaging for Walkers Baked

The snacking giant is testing paper-based outer packaging on its Walkers Baked 6-bag multipacks, following a successful trial with Walkers 22- and 24-bag multipacks last year. The move marks another step in PepsiCo’s journey towards eliminating virgin fossil-based plastic from its crisp and snack bags across Europe by 2030.

The paper-based packaging replaces the plastic outer wrapping and is completely recyclable, a first for savory snacks flexible packaging in the UK.

Smurfit Kappa Delivers Over 40% Reduction in CO2 Emissions

Smurfit Kappa remains on target to deliver on its long-term goal to have at least net zero emissions by 2050, according to its 16th annual Sustainable Development Report, which was issued today. The Sustainable Development Report Revealed that the company has accomplished a 43.9% reduction since 2005. The comprehensive report, which covers January to December 2022, highlights the company’s progress through continued capital investment, ongoing operational improvement and collaboration with customers and other key stakeholders.

Fedrigoni Launches Mono-Material Paper Range for Variety of Sectors

The luxury specialty papers for packaging and self-adhesive labelling products specialist’s Materia Viva Volume 2: Metamorphosis collection comprises mono-material, recyclable paper with a variety of practical qualities which amplify the scope of application – from single-dose liquid packaging, photographic prints and water-resistant shopping bags to cosmetic packaging, transparent wrapping and luxury self-adhesive labels. The final product is as versatile as it is fully recyclable.

The papers in the collection can be scratch-proof, grease-proof, stain-proof, mold- and water-resistant, translucent, metallic, rigid or elastic and resistant to impact damage, tearing, folding, heat and light without the reinforcement of plastic or other polluting substances.

MM Packaging Releases Fiber-Based Tray Solution

The Green Peel the latest fiber-based tray solution from MM Packaging. The company says it’s ideal for plastic reduction, with a continuous flat rim for a hermetic seal and high food safety.

MM says that reducing the use of plastic up to 90% in comparison to standard plastic trays, the film liner can be easily separated from the cartonboard tray and separately recycled.

Tetra Pak Calls Government to Develop Framework for Labelling on Food Packaging

Tetra Pak has led a group of food and drink industry experts calling on the government to develop a framework for environmental labelling on food which would enable consumers to make more informed choices. In a new report, Tetra Pak has appealed to the government to broaden and improve consumer engagement and understanding of the role played by the food system in driving the UK’s sustainability and net zero goals.

The Government’s Food Strategy, published in 2022, recognizes the need to reduce the environmental impact of the food system, but does not consider how to address consumer engagement and behavior in order to achieve the UK’s broader climate goals. According to research conducted by Tetra Pak, half of consumers will take into account a brand’s decarbonization efforts or sustainability credentials when making a purchase.

RELYCO Announces New Sustainable Durable Paper

RELYCO has announced that they now carry Rite in the Rain All-Weather Paper. This water-resistant paper is designed to withstand the toughest wet conditions, all while being a fully recyclable, wood-based renewable paper.

In 2022, RELYCO shared their goal to add sustainable alternatives to the REVLAR synthetic paper product line by 2030. Rite in the Rain All-Weather Paper will be their first new product to fit into that category. This durable paper is sustainably sourced through providers certified by the prestigious Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC). Because it is wood-based, Rite in the Rain All-Weather Paper can be recycled just like a standard piece of paper.

OPRL Approves Sirane Paper-Recyclable Absorbent Pad for Fruits

Sirane has announced its paper-recyclable absorbent pad for fruits has been approved for recycling by OPRL and endorsed by the UK Recycling Association – making it the world’s first approved recyclable absorbent pad.

EarthPad is comprised of cellulose absorbent with a paper outer layer applied using barrier coatings, and they are also compostable.

New Report Highlights that Sustainability Action Must Overtake Claims

A new survey conducted by Smurfit Kappa, in partnership with the Financial Times, has revealed that sustainability continues to play a pivotal role in the strategy and planning of senior business leaders across Europe and the Americas.

More than half (61%) that responded state that sustainability is changing the way they measure financial performance. Many of them have started to build sustainability into their leaders’ performance assessments and incentives. This underscores the impact that sustainability is already having across businesses.

Parason Intends to Deploy 250 Forming Machine Cells; Collaborate with ABB to Scale up Sustainable Packaging in India

Parason, one of the largest manufacturers & suppliers of pulp and paper machinery, has collaborated with ABB in India to automate and up-scale production of sustainable and compostable packaging solutions. The collaboration has been established to help Parason’s customers reduce their reliance on single-use plastics and Styrofoam packaging. These molded fiber tableware products are widely used across multiple industries across restaurants and cafes, food catering, transport, travel and industry canteens.

ABB robots, integrated with Parason’s machinery, will help to facilitate the effective manufacturing of agro-waste products - creating 100 percent eco-friendly compostable packaging solutions.