Carton, Board and Paper
Choosing Paper and Board Solutions for a More Sustainable Future – ACTEGA
Wilke Föllscher Markus Locher
he paper and board market has gained significant momentum in recent years as the packaging industry moves towards sustainability in response to growing environmental consciousness. With increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions and stricter regulations like PPWR shaping packaging design, brand owners are setting ambitious recycling targets and reducing plastic use. This shift has led to the exploration of various solutions, such as paper-based packaging and fibre-based packaging, to meet these sustainability goals.
T
In this interview, Wilke Föllscher, ACTEGA’s business development manager paper mills EMEA, and Markus Locher, global manager of barrier and sustainable packaging solutions for paper and board at ACTEGA, share insights into the rising trend of packaging converters switching to paper and board solutions, the regulatory landscape shaping these changes and some of the key innovations driving progress.
What are the key drivers pushing converters toward paper-based packaging solutions in response to growing demand for sustainability? WF: Consumers are now demanding more sustainable options, which has led to brand owners making changes to reduce their environmental impact. These brand owners are exploring paper-based packaging solutions as a way of committing to a more sustainable packaging future with reduced plastic use. Most brand owners have already begun to commit to a more sustainable packaging future. Brand owners have been setting targets to increase recycling and reduce their use of plastics in packaging. This can involve a complete switch from plastic to paper-based packaging or the choice of a more environmentally friendly paper coating, as in the case of barrier-coated papers. Much of the packaging industry views paper-based packaging as a viable solution to achieve their required recycling targets. In the EU in 2021, 40 percent of plastic packaging was recycled, compared to 80 percent of packaging made from paper and board. This significant difference is largely due to the current public understanding of the recyclability of each material and the current infrastructures in place that enable easier recycling of paper and board.
How is the regulatory landscape influencing changes in packaging materials, design and the shift toward paper-based packaging? WF: Much of the growing reliance on paper-based packaging is being caused by stringent regulations. Packaging converters are facing increasing pressure to comply with numerous regulations, such as the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), which is a commission guideline on single-use plastic products. The SUPD aims to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. Significantly, the directive includes a prohibition on polystyrene packaging and certain plastic items, along with restrictions on the use of plastic lining in
paper-based packaging. ML: Additionally, the EU’s draft PPWR, introduced in 2022 with possible implementation in 2025, will affect various packaging types and materials, pushing for a circular economy. The regulation sets specific recycling targets for using recycled materials in packaging. As a result, the packaging industry must navigate a complex regulatory landscape with diverse requirements, including recyclability, labelling and raw material sourcing.
What kind of solutions and innovations are emerging in the market of paper- based packaging? WF: The market is increasingly focused on developing sustainable alternatives in order to opt for paper packaging or barrier-coated paper that can be recycled and truly aid circular economy. As a result, interest in water-based dispersion coatings has grown significantly in recent years, particularly within the highly regulated food packaging industry, which is shifting to these innovative coatings. ML: We are strong advocates of sustainability and our strategy is focused on transitioning from a linear production system towards a circular economy approach. Our water- based ACTGreen Barrier Coatings represent an example of these efforts, offering provide barriers against water, oils and vapor. These coatings enable the production of recyclable fibre-based packaging, replacing difficult- to-recycle materials without compromising quality or functionality. With up to 95 percent recyclability of packaging materials, they align with circular economy principles. How do you see the packaging industry evolving? ML: The packaging industry will continue to shift towards greater sustainability, evaluating solutions not only for recyclability, but also for genuine environmental impact. Brands will come under increasing pressure to verify their sustainability claims and packaging cannot simply appear eco-friendly; it must perform sustainably throughout the life cycle.
24
February 2025
www.convertermag.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54
