Paper Packaging: New Action Group in Europe

The partners of the European paper sector in the industry alliance “4evergreen” intend to boost the contribution of paper-based packaging in a circular economy. Cepi (Confederation of European Paper Industries), the association representing the paper industry in Europe, has arranged a new alliance called “4evergreen”. It aims to boost the contribution of fiber-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy that minimizes climate and environmental impact.

According to Cepi, the initiative intends to increase awareness about the benefits of these packaging materials, advocate for EU legislation supporting product design for recyclability, and call for the development of optimized collection systems for materials dedicated to recycling and appropriate recycling infrastructures. “The rise of environmental awareness and consumer concerns as well as the increase of packaging, focused regulation, such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive, have helped companies to accelerate the development of alternative packaging materials including fiber-based packaging with a view to helping consumers make more climate-friendly choices,” the association explained. “4evergreen” was created as a forum to engage and connect industry members from across the sector’s value chain – from paper and board producers to packaging converters, brand-owners and retailers, technology and material suppliers, waste sorters and collectors.

“Fiber-based packaging can be a game-changer for material substitution”, Eija Hietavuo, Chairwoman of the new action group and Senior Vice President Sustainability Stora Enso Consumer Board, was cited. The common goal would be to deliver a holistic approach to optimize the sustainability and circularity of the packaging’s life cycle. “The time to act is now!” Jori Ringman, Director General at Cepi, stated. “Our industry already has a strong track record in environmental performance and recycling, but our ambition is higher. We are driving a system-wide shift to transition to the next level of circularity and climate resilience. ‘4evergreen’ will be the place for the whole industry value chain to co-create and collaborate for a change.”

The first “4evergreen” alliance members include Nestlé, Danone, Mars, Stora Enso, Smurfit Kappa, Sappi, Metsä Board, UPM, Mayr-Melnhof Group, Reno de Medici, Mondi, Burgo, Kotkamills, DS Smith, Heinzel Group, Ahlstrom Munksjö, International Paper, BillerudKorsnäs, Huhtamäki, SEDA, SIG Combibloc, Tetra Pak, Elopak, Walki, Schur Group, Cardbox Packaging, Firstan Ltd., Westrock, Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. KG, Graphic Packaging International, AR Packaging, Baumer hhs GmbH, Van Genechten Packaging Group, Sonoco and VTT. The alliance is welcoming more organizations to join the collaboration.

www.cepi.org/industry-initiatives

(GR22020, Page 18, Photo: Free-Photos / Pixabay)