PAPER MARKET

Tag: sustainable packaging

  • Eco-Forward Packaging: Paper & Paperboard Lead the Next Wave

    Eco-Forward Packaging: Paper & Paperboard Lead the Next Wave

    The paper and paperboard packaging Industry is on a robust growth trajectory, driven largely by sustainability concerns and a global push to reduce plastic use.

    As per recent estimates, Key sectors fueling this demand include food & beverage, e-commerce, and personal-care, where more than 59% of global brands are now using paperboard or corrugated formats. The market is expected to reach USD 451.80 billion by 2030, up from USD 391.07 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 2.9%.

    This shift is underpinned by strong regulatory momentum and consumer preference for recyclable materials. In fact, over 47% of global retailers are pushing for plastic-free supply chains. Major players like International Paper, WestRock, Mondi, Smurfit Kappa and DS Smith are scaling up investments in recycled fibers, water-based coatings, and digitally printed, lightweight solutions.

  • Cortec Expands Sustainable Packaging with New EcoBio Barrier Paper

    Cortec Expands Sustainable Packaging with New EcoBio Barrier Paper

    Cortec’s barrier paper portfolio just got more sustainable! Industries looking for environmentally responsible options in the area of barrier packaging should take a closer look at the new EcoBio™ Barrier Paper, a premium recyclable, repulpable, biodegradable barrier paper designed with the “circular economy” in mind.

    Sustainability from Start to Finish

    EcoBio™ Barrier Paper starts the product life cycle as 100% recycled paper stock coated with a biobased (90-100% renewable organic carbon per ASTM D6866) and biodegradable (per OECD 301) barrier coating. In contrast to traditional barrier packaging that relies on polyethylene or foil to create a barrier, EcoBio™ Barrier Paper has no intentionally added plastics (or PFAS or fluorochemicals) to hinder recycling or biodegradation.

    Similar to EcoShield® Recyclable Barrier Paper, EcoBio™ Barrer Paper can be recycled through normal paper recycling streams instead of ending up in the landfill. However, EcoBio™ Barrier Paper goes  a step further with its biodegradable, biobased coating that has the potential to open even more sustainable end of life options depending on local  regulations. Most importantly, EcoBio™ Barrier Paper tackles moisture and grease resistance without the risk of plastic or foil pollution.

    Who Needs Barrier Packaging?

    EcoBio™ Barrier Paper and Linerboard can be used in a variety of short-term packaging applications where moisture or grease is a concern. The barrier serves several purposes:

    • Discourage moisture from entering or exiting the package
    • Avoid grease or oil seepage
    • Maintain packaging integrity in the presence of moisture or grease

    Wrapping items in EcoBio™ Barrier Paper can help keep them dry as shipments pass through unpredictable environments with fluctuating humidity and weather patterns. Similarly, EcoBio™ Barrier Paper (also available as linerboard) can be used to line wooden crates or cardboard boxes (which have a tendency to absorb moisture), thus keeping goods out of direct contact with the potentially damp walls of the package. Conversely, EcoBio™ Barrier Paper can be used to keep moisture or grease from leaching out of the package when, for example, metal auto parts are lightly coated with oils that could soak through and break normal paper.

    Completing the Circle

    As the world of sustainable packaging solutions continues to expand, Cortec® remains a leader in developing industrial packaging options that address the beginning and end of the life cycle. If your company is ready to invest in circular economy packaging options like these to meet your sustainability goals, contact Cortec® to learn more about EcoBio™ Barrier Paper and Linerboard and other full circle packaging options.

  • Genera Starts ANDRITZ Pulping Systems for Sustainable Packaging

    Genera Starts ANDRITZ Pulping Systems for Sustainable Packaging

    Genera, a leading U.S. manufacturer of sustainable packaging, has successfully started up advanced non-wood pulping and stock preparation systems supplied by international technology group ANDRITZ.

    Installation of these systems is part of Genera’s large-scale expansion of its manufacturing facility in Vonore, Tennessee, where locally grown grasses are transformed into packaging solutions.

    ANDRITZ supplied key equipment for the pulping and stock preparation process to ensure the supply of high-quality pulp to the facility’s thermoforming systems, which produce sustainable molded fiber packaging for food applications. These compostable, high-performance packaging solutions support the circular economy and the shift away from fossil-based plastic packaging.

    ANDRITZ’s supply scope included multiple refiners and stock preparation equipment along with additional pulp washing and dewatering equipment. These components play an important role in Genera’s production process, increasing production capacity and contributing to efficient and sustainable operations.

    Genera first ordered ANDRITZ non-wood pulping equipment in 2019. Since then, the two companies have maintained a close collaboration, with ANDRITZ continuing to provide services and key equipment to support Genera’s growth in the sustainable packaging market. 

    “We were thrilled to continue our partnership with ANDRITZ as we expanded our production capabilities,” said Ben Mascarello, Chief Executive Officer of Genera. “Their pulping and stock preparation systems are essential to our mission of producing high-quality, compostable packaging. This expansion allows us to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging and reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

    Genera is an integrated biorefinery and sustainable materials company headquartered in Vonore, Tennessee, that partners with local farmers to grow regenerative grasses and transform them into domestically sourced, compostable molded fiber and other biobased products. As North America’s largest vertically integrated producer of non-wood molded fiber packaging, Genera serves food and consumer packaging, foodservice, retail, healthcare, and institutional markets through a circular, farm-to-compost and recycling model.

    The company produces durable, high-quality packaging that helps brands meet their sustainability goals and strengthen the circular economy. Genera offers a wide range of stock and custom solutions with options such as film lamination, coatings, heat sealing, pad insertion, embossing, and printing – empowering brands and consumers to make sustainable choices without compromising quality or performance, while supporting the environment, American jobs, farmers, and rural economies.

  • Michelman Launches Michem Coat 9250 for Recyclable Cups

    Michelman Launches Michem Coat 9250 for Recyclable Cups

    Michelman has introduced Michem® Coat 9250, a next-generation water-based coating that enables recyclability of paper cups.

    Building on the proven performance of previous Michelman solutions, this new formulation helps brand owners and converters meet global recyclability and performance standards for paper cups. Michem® Coat 9250 delivers higher solids, cleaner organoleptics, and enhanced resistance to aggressive coffees and creamers. Its broad versatility allows converters to run on a wider range of cup-forming equipment, including ultrasonic, servo, and high-speed systems, while achieving exceptional heat seal performance and best-in-class fiber tear results—even on high-speed lines with short dwell times.

    Compared to cups lined with PE or PLA, those coated with Michem® Coat 9250 use less plastic, generate fewer microplastics, and support greater circularity and fiber recovery. They are more energy efficient to recycle than PE-lined cups and maintain superior structural integrity when exposed to hot beverages, unlike many PLA lined cups.

    With Michem® Coat 9250, Michelman continues to drive innovation in sustainable packaging by empowering customers to replace plastic films with water-based dispersions—delivering recyclable, repulpable, and high-performance paper cup solutions that support a more circular economy worldwide.

  • Mondi advances transition to PE-free wrappers for cut-size paper across European mills

    Mondi advances transition to PE-free wrappers for cut-size paper across European mills

    Mondi has completed the switch to polyethylene (PE)-free wrappers for its entire Mondi-branded cut-size paper portfolio produced in Slovakia, with the completion of transition at its Austrian mill to follow in 2026.

    Compared to PE-coated wrappers, the new paper-only wrapper can be recycled more efficiently and effectively. The move eliminates around one kilogram of plastic per tonne of finished cut-size paper, supporting circular economy principles.

    Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has completed the transition to polyethylene (PE)-free wrappers for its entire Mond-branded cut-size paper portfolio produced at Mondi SCP in Ružomberok, Slovakia. The Neusiedler mill in Austria is scheduled to complete its transition to PE wrappers by 2026. This milestone strengthens Mondi’s position as an industry leader in sustainable paper solutions and supports customers in meeting sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.  

    The PE-free wrappers are now available in both matt and glossy finishes for Mondi’s leading brands, including NAUTILUS®, BIO TOP 3®, IQ, MAESTRO®, Niveus®, Color Copy and DNS®. 

    Solid benefits for the environment and customers 

    By removing the polyethylene layer traditionally used in cut-size ream wraps, Mondi’s paper-only wrapper can be recycled more efficiently. It enables easier fibre recovery and eliminates the need to separate plastic from paper during the recycling process—while continuing to protect the product and maintain visual appeal.

    Market tests confirm that the PE-free solution performs on par with PE-coated wraps. The transition reduces plastic use by approximately one kilogram per tonne of finished cut-size paper, lowering material impact across both Slovak and Austrian production sites

    Sustainability and proven performance through innovation 

    The development and roll-out of the PE-free wrapper is the result of Mondi’s ongoing investment in R&D and process optimisation. Comprehensive internal testing and customer trials have verified high reliability in packaging protection, storage, and end-use performances. 

    Mondi is also extending PE-free options to Customer Owned Labels (COLs), offering matt and glossy wrappers for brands produced at Mondi Neusiedler in Austria and matt finishes for Mondi SCP in Slovakia. This gives customers the opportunity to join Mondi on its sustainability journey and highlight the PE-free feature on their packaging.

  • Mondi Boosts Innovation in Sustainable eCommerce Packaging

    Mondi Boosts Innovation in Sustainable eCommerce Packaging

    Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is further reinforcing its commitment to innovation in eCommerce packaging by combining extensive expertise in materials, design, and packaging processes with a state-of-the-art testing environment, where solutions are subjected to rigorous stress tests under real-world logistics conditions.

    Mondi’s specialists work closely with partners to develop packaging solutions that support their sustainability goals while optimising performance across the entire supply chain.To accelerate this journey, Gavin Mounce joined Mondi as eCommerce Innovation and Application Director on 1 November 2025. With extensive experience in packaging design and innovation management on the retailer and supplier side, he will lead the team in driving forward new ideas and strengthening collaboration between Mondi’s paper, product design, and converting expertise.

    “eCommerce packaging innovation is about creating value for our customers and the environment”, said Armand Schoonbrood, COO Mondi eCommerce, “Gavin brings a retailer’s perspective to innovation, helping us design packaging that works for both people and planet.” “I’m excited to lead a team that turns groundbreaking ideas into real-world, tried and tested solutions – from concept to the customer’s door”, Gavin Mounce added.

    Among Mondi’s award-winning recent innovations is the Protective Mailer – a fully recyclable paper mailer that eliminates the need for plastic bubble wrap while maintaining high product protection using open flute paper. Co-created with one of the leading online marketplaces, this solution exemplifies Mondi’s approach: co-creating with customers, thinking outside the box, pushing the envelope, and leveraging the full eCommerce portfolio – from paper to boxes and bags – to deliver sustainable packaging solutions.

    ISTA-certified testing: ensuring performance through real-life simulation

    Mondi operates a dedicated ThinkBox Bupak, located in Budweis, Czech Republic, a customer engagement centre to host innovation workshops, co-create packaging samples on the spot, and align customers’ needs with Mondi’s packaging expertise. The hub is equipped with an ISTA-certified testing laboratory, ensuring that every innovation performs under real-world logistics conditions.

    The laboratory conducts standardised ISTA transit tests, simulating real-life shipping and handling scenarios to ensure that packaging solutions protect products throughout the supply chain. The ISTA certification has now been officially renewed until 1 October 2027, confirming Mondi’s position as a Certified Testing Laboratory member of the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA).

    “Testing is a crucial part of innovation. Innovation is only valuable if it works in the real world. Our ISTA-certified lab ensures every solution survives the journey from warehouse to customer. The ISTA certification confirms the reliability of our methods and demonstrates our commitment to delivering packaging that performs in every step of the supply chain,” added Armand Schoonbrood.

    The laboratory’s experts work closely with customers from various industries to define test specifics, offering quick turnaround times for standardised test reports and improvement recommendations such as alternative board grades or design optimisations.

    The Mondi ISTA laboratory is also Amazon-approved under the APASS (Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier) Network, enabling customers to certify packaging compliant with Amazon’s Tier 1–3 requirements (FFP, SIOC, and PFP) – supporting the industry-wide move to reduce packaging volume and waste in eCommerce logistics.

  • Lecta’s EraCup Natural Earns flustix ‘Less Plastics’ Certification

    Lecta’s EraCup Natural Earns flustix ‘Less Plastics’ Certification

    This international recognition reinforces Lecta’s commitment to a new era of responsibility for paper packaging and positions EraCup Natural among the most advanced solutions on the market.

    Lecta takes another step forward in its strategy to develop environmentally responsible products with the flustix “Less Plastics Product” certification for its EraCup Natural board for food service applications. The certification confirms that the product’s composition is at least 99.25% plastic-free — the highest level awarded under this European standard. This recognition validates the board’s optimized composition, verified through tests conducted by an accredited laboratory.

    EraCup Natural is an SBB (Solid Bleached Board) manufactured with pulp from responsibly managed, certified forests. Its smooth, natural surface is suitable for both flexographic and offset printing, while its inner side, coated with an aqueous dispersion, provides excellent heat-sealing resistance and optimal performance during conversion processes.

    The flustix label — a reference in the packaging sector — quantitatively evaluates the plastic content of products and materials in accordance with international standards and verifiable traceability criteria. Combined with the board’s high technical performance, this certification ensures that EraCup Natural meets the most stringent requirements for transparency and reduced environmental impact, making it one of the most advanced solutions for single-use paper cups and food service packaging.

    “This accreditation confirms EraCup Natural as a benchmark board for food service applications, designed to deliver outstanding converting performance and respond effectively to new market demands. It reflects our ongoing commitment to developing safe, regulation-compliant, and highly recyclable solutions that enable converters and brand owners to advance their sustainability goals and strengthen brand differentiation,” said Armin Van Overbeek, Specialities Commercial Director at Lecta.

    In addition to the flustix seal, EraCup Natural holds DIN CERTCO certification for both industrial and home compostability, recyclability Level A (Aticelca 501/19), and assessments confirming its compatibility with standard paper recycling streams.

    Achieving this certification marks another milestone in Lecta’s strategy to reduce the use of non-renewable resources and promote circular, lower-impact solutions. Within this framework, the EraCup range embodies the concept “A New Era of Responsibility” — a philosophy that drives responsible innovation in food packaging and reinforces Lecta’s commitment to a more sustainable future.

  • Mondi powers packaging for Germany’s top salt brand

    Mondi powers packaging for Germany’s top salt brand

    Discover how Mondi’s packaging innovations are keeping one of Europe’s leading salt producers at the top of their game – with corrugated and solid board solutions from a single source.

    When Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, acquired the Western European assets of the former Schumacher Packaging, the portfolio grew to include food-safe solid board packaging. One of the first to benefit from the portfolio expansion was Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG, a long-standing partner and one of Europe’s top salt producers. Known for the iconic Bad Reichenhaller Alpensalz brand, they produce everything from table and pharmaceutical salt to de-icing and animal feed salt – a natural product that demands the highest standards of protection at every stage.

    Mondi supplies Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG with sturdy trays for shelf placement, robust outer packaging for transport and, following the acquisition of the Western European Schumacher Packaging plants, now also with sift-proof solid board packaging for direct food contact. Thanks to the integration of the Forchheim plant, Mondi can now support Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG with a full packaging solution.

    Keeping a natural essential safe – from factory to shelf

    Salt may be simple in composition, but it’s not easy to package. It must stay dry, hygienic and intact from production to shelf. Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke AG needs a range of solutions – from primary retail packaging to robust transport boxes – all meeting stringent safety requirements and delivering logistical efficiency.

    A three-plant collaboration

    That’s where Mondi’s combined expertise comes in:

    • Mondi Forchheim – producing high-quality solid board sales packaging that’s food-safe, sift-proof and offset printed in up to six colours. Made from European primary fibres sourced from FSC-certified Scandinavian forests, packaging is approved for direct food contact.
    • Mondi Grünburg – supplying flexo-printed corrugated trays for over a decade, designed to keep products secure during transport while supporting effective shelf placement.
    • Mondi Bad Rappenau – manufacturing sturdy corrugated transport boxes, including packaging for dishwasher salt and lick stones for animals, with customised kraft-liner solutions also exported to the UK market.
  • ProAmpac acquires International Paper’s bag converting operations

    ProAmpac acquires International Paper’s bag converting operations

    ProAmpac, a global leader in flexible packaging and material science, has acquired the bag converting operations of International Paper , a global leader in sustainable packaging.

    The acquisition expands ProAmpac’s converting capabilities, further advancing the company’s Fiberization of Packaging strategy and enhancing its ability to deliver customized bag solutions for the grocery, convenience store, and quick-service restaurant markets.

    “Global demand for reliable, recyclable paper packaging continues to grow rapidly amid evolving consumer expectations and market trends redefining recyclability,” stated Greg Tucker, ProAmpac founder, vice chairman, and chief executive officer. “ProAmpac’s acquisition of IP’s bag operation supports our Fiberization of Packaging initiatives, helping us better serve customers by extending our expertise in material science to the US west coast with additional capabilities and redundancies,” continued Tucker.

    “IP’s bag business is strong, being built on sustainability and reliability, with a winning team. It’s well-positioned for future growth and innovation in the kraft paper bag market,” said Allison Magness, IP’s group vice president, specialty business. “Under ProAmpac’s leadership, I am confident the business is set up for long-term success.”

    Located in California, Oregon, and Texas, IP’s bag operations are recognized for innovation in kraft paper bag manufacturing. Specializing in customizable and premium kraft bags for grocery, convenience store, and quick-service restaurant markets, the operations produce a range of products, including handled shopping bags, self-opening sacks, and smaller format options. With multiple U.S. manufacturing sites, this acquisition expands ProAmpac’s production capacity and redundancy, strengthening its ability to support both new and existing customers.

  • Mondi at HOST Milano 2025: Sustainable packaging for coffee industry

    Mondi at HOST Milano 2025: Sustainable packaging for coffee industry

    Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, will be presenting its broad portfolio of packaging solutions for the coffee industry at HOST Milano from 17 to 21 October 2025 in Pavilion 18, Stand K59.

    Visitors will learn how Mondi meets the requirements of modern roasters in line with PPWR regulations through innovative packaging materials with a high barrier and excellent machine runnability. Mondi’s diverse portfolio includes sustainable primary and secondary packaging made from paper, plastic and hybrid materials that are designed for recycling.

    The range extends from innovative mono-material SoftPack or VacuumPack formats in polypropylen (PP) or polyethylen (PE) to paper-based StickPacks and PodSachets, offering tailored solutions for all applications from ground coffee, whole beans to coffee pods and capsules. With Ad/Vantage TrayWrap, Mondi offers a paper alternative for plastic in secondary packaging which can save over 75% CO2 and optimises customers packing process by eliminating the shrink oven.

    The solution is crafted from 100% kraft paper and has a unique combination of mechanical properties with very good stretchability. Ad/Vantage TrayWrap is designed for recycling, making this solution also suitable for grouped packaging applications, in line with future regulatory requirements in Europe.

    As a highlight, Mondi is presenting re/cycle VentPack, a next generation degassing concept for coffee packaging. The innovative valve, which is pre-applied to the film, aims to simplify the packaging process for customers. Thanks to its extremely thin, PP-based construction, VentPack can save up to 96 per cent in plastic weight compared to conventional button valves and is designed for recycling as a mono-PP packaging.

    Mondi’s solutions offer numerous advantages for the coffee industry: high-quality barrier properties protect the coffee from exposure to oxygen and moisture for up to 12 months. Flexible printing options, such as creative flexographic and rotogravure printing processes with matt and anti-seal coatings, ensure attractive product presentation and strong shelf impact. The solutions are sustainable by design and help customers comply with EU regulation. In addition, they can be efficiently processed on existing filling lines and are supported by a Europe-wide production network that ensures security of supply.

    With FlexStudios Mondi further offers customers an innovation hub in which they can actively participate in the development process, benefitting first-hand from the company’s extensive expertise and material-neutral approach, state-of-the-art technology, and customer-centric approach. By bringing pilot lines, testing capabilities and co-creation space together under one roof, Mondi can reduce time-to-market innovations, ensure compliance, and drive sustainable change in the flexible packaging industry.