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Paper Packaging Is Part Of The Circular Economy
Paper Packaging Is Part Of The Circular Economy
Paper packaging fits into the circular economy model seamlessly. Its raw material, wood fibre, is a renewable, natural and sustainable resource. Paper packaging is easily collected and recycled, ensuring these valuable fibres are used time and time again.
A circular economy is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. In contrast to the ‘take-make-waste’ linear model, a circular economy is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources.
The European paper industry is building on decades of work done to make its industrial model circular, making it one of the most sustainable industries in Europe.
It relies on raw materials, pulp derived from processing wood, which is intrinsically sustainable as it comes from sustainably managed forests. It has achieved 26% decarbonisation since 2005 and has become an anchor industry for industrial symbiosis, sharing materials, heat energy and water.[1]
Paper is recycled at a rate of 74% (2020) in Europe, which is the highest recycling rate for paper in the world. Paper packaging has an even higher recycling rate of 83% (2018) and more paper-based packaging is recycled than all other packaging materials combined. The paper industry strives to further increase recycling and material use of recycling residues through the sharing of best practice and the development of cross-sectorial alliances.[1]
The European paper industry has been at the forefront of industrial change, pioneering cross-sector collaborations and structural changes to achieve green goals.
In 2019, the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) initiated 4evergreen, an ambitious cross-industry alliance. Members come from across the fibre-based packaging value chain, from paper and board producers, packaging converters, and brand owners and retailers, to technology and material suppliers, waste sorters and collectors. 4evergreen seeks innovation in packaging performance and functionality, as well as improving performance in recycling systems to reach the full potential of the circular economy.[2]
Collaboration throughout the supply chain is fundamental to the success of the circular economy of the future.
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