The pulp and paper industry continues to exceed expectations almost every day when it comes to prioritizing sustainability. From the introduction of numerous sustainable alternatives to the growing number of companies joining carbon reduction initiatives and forming partnerships with major corporations, the industry is taking significant steps towards creating a more sustainable environment.
Here we highlight some of the latest developments in the pulp and paper industry.
Capri Sun launches stronger paper straws
Capri Sun has announced that it will launch stronger paper straws across its entire range of products in the first quarter of 2024. Capri Sun’s team of packaging experts developed these FSC certified straws with impressive features such as 36% higher bending resistance, 18% higher compressive strength and 42% higher vertical compressive strength. These new straws will enhance customers’ drinking experience and are fully aligned with Capri Sun’s commitment to convert its entire UK range to fully recyclable packaging.
Uber partners with Detpak to develop small paper bags for deliveries in Australia and New Zealand
Uber Eats has partnered with leading packaging manufacturer Detpak to design compact paper bags specifically for single or small meals, snacks and personal drinks. Through this, Uber Eats aims to increase convenience and reduce waste. Made from recycled paper, these reusable bags demonstrate Debi's commitment to sustainability. With this innovative solution, businesses can now save valuable storage space while also reducing delivery costs for smaller orders.
Luxury brand Hermès International launches reusable paper envelopes
Luxury brand Hermès International has launched a striking new product in its fine stationery range – stunning reusable paper envelopes. Carefully wrapped in silk, this luxurious envelope is available in two sizes. Hermès says: "This keepsake can be sent as a special invitation or even as a declaration of love. It's a lasting way to turn your record into a beautiful memory."
Quaker Oats switches to paper packaging for its range of porridge jars
The Quaker Oatmeal range makes a significant shift towards sustainability with its paper packaging. This eco-friendly packaging initiative aims to eliminate the use of virgin plastic in porridge tins sold across the UK, reducing 200t of plastic waste each year. This latest effort is part of PepsiCo’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing health and sustainability through its transformation program, Pepsi Positive.
Grocery retailer Aldi to eliminate plastic shopping bags from its stores
Popular discount grocery retailer Aldi has taken a major step toward sustainability by eliminating the option to use plastic bags at checkout at all of its stores across the United States. Instead, customers can now buy reusable cloth bags in stores, or opt for the retailer's own bags if they forget their reusable ones.
In addition to this environmental initiative, Aldi has set a goal to use natural refrigerants in all of its U.S. stores by 2035, ensuring its products have healthier ingredients and optimal freshness. Aldi, which has more than 600 stores, is already implementing environmentally friendly refrigerants and is taking proactive steps towards a greener future.
Cascades launches sustainable alternative to hard-to-recycle produce packaging
Cascades launches innovative and sustainable produce baskets to replace typical hard-to-recycle packaging items. By using recyclable corrugated cardboard, Cascades not only reduces the environmental impact of packaging, but also meets the growing market demand for sustainability. Available in two different models and four different sizes, these versatile baskets effectively display a variety of fruits and vegetables, including berries, tomatoes and tree-grown fruits.
Smurf Kappa offers weather-resistant boxes for transporting bees
Smurf Kappa created sustainable packaging boxes for transporting bees for Biobest, a company involved in crop protection and pollination. Biobest partnered with Smurf Kappa to design an insulated, weather-resistant box to replace the Styrofoam boxes used to transport live bumblebees. Smurf Kappa offers sustainable packaging made from waterproof AquaStop paper and includes a six-comb attachment inside to protect and keep out insects.
ITC Sunfeat launches 100% paper-based packaging to lead biscuit industry
Indian snack major ITC Sunfeat has launched a new Sunfeat Farmlite Digestive Biscuit Family Pack in 100% paper packaging, marking a pioneering move in the biscuits industry.
Packaging design is both consumer-friendly and visually appealing. Ali Harris Shere, Chief Operating Officer of ITC Foods, emphasized that this initiative is part of the brand’s commitment to sustainable packaging and is fully consistent with ITC’s wider “Sustainability 2.0” vision to create a circular economy for post-consumer packaging waste. The new packaging will be available on Flipkart and will be expanded to other platforms and supermarkets later.
