Companies across the paper value chain are part of a new alliance that has been established to promote sustainable methods of dealing with fibre-based packaging.
The 4evergreen alliance, which comprises members of the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI), seeks to promote the use and recycling of fibre-based packaging and calls for a circular economy for fibre-based packaging.
According to Eurostat, 84.6% of Europe’s fibre-based packaging is already recycled and the volume of recycled fibre-based packaging alone equals that of all other recycled packaging materials together.
4evergreen aims to advance fibre-based packaging innovation and recycling further. The alliance’s goals include increasing awareness about innovation in fibre-based packaging materials, setting guidelines for circular product design, and supporting the development of improved fibre-based material collection systems and recycling infrastructure.
Industry names involved in the alliance include Stora Enso, Metsä Board, Smurfit Kappa, Sappi, UPM, Mayr-Melnhof Group, Reno de Medici, Ahlstrom Munksjö, International Paper, Tetra Pak and Firstan while brands involved include Nestlé, Danone and Mars.
Stora Enso chief executive Karl-Henrik Sundström said: “Plastic litter is a global problem that cannot be tackled without climate-smart, renewable and recyclable solutions.
“Joining forces with companies across the value chain can bring about a real, transformative change.”
Metsä Board chief executive Mika Joukio added: “Extensive, global collaboration is essential in promoting circular economy and combating climate change. Together we can utilise the full potential of fibre-based packaging and provide solutions based on renewable raw materials for packaging of the future.”
