Paper is one of the most eco-friendly packaging materials available
When it comes to eco-friendly packaging materials, paper has it all - it’s recyclable, renewable and has consistently had the highest recycling rate in recent years and, even if it does end up as litter, is still biodegradable.
Paper is consistently the world’s most collected and recyclable material
As the drive to reduce waste gathers momentum, the ease with which paper can be recycled is an increasingly valued attribute. The recycling and collection rate for paper and cardboard is the highest of any packaging material at 85.8% and 92.5% respectively (Eurostat 2016). At Smurfit Kappa, we contribute to a world without waste by supporting the concept of circularity. We collect used packaging and re-use more than 90% of this material in our closed loop business model.
Paper protects more resources than it uses
Packaging is essential in minimising damage to products and extending their useful life. On average, ten times more resources – materials, energy and water, are invested in products compared to the resources used to produce the packaging used to protect them. Without packaging many of the goods manufactured or food grown would be damaged or spoilt before they reach the consumer.
Paper packaging supports healthy forests
Our industry is a significant and visible user of wood fibre. It is our basic raw material, and we ensure its origin is sustainable. Within Smurfit Kappa only 25% of the fibres we use comes directly from fresh wood and 75% of our fibres comes from recycled sources. All our wood comes from sustainable managed planted forests which are chain of custody certified by FSC® and/or PEFC™. Currently over 90% of our deliveries to customers are chain of custody certified and by 2025 our target is to increase this to 95%.
Five reasons why paper-based packaging should be on your agenda
All our paper is made from renewable resources, using wood fibres that come from sustainably managed forests.
Paper-based packaging is recyclable and is being recycled. With a collection rate of 92.5% and a recycling rate of 85.8%, paper-based packaging has the lowest risk of not being recycled.
Paper-based packaging is biodegradable. In the rare case that paper ends up in nature it disappears within months.
A certified Chain of Custody is your guarantee of a verifiably sustainable packaging supply chain. At Kappa 90% of customer deliveries are certified. We show the proof that your box is certified on every invoice.
Our circular business model helps us find the best, recyclable packaging solution for each situation while delivering a lower total environmental impact and less waste.
