Sustainable Converting
From forest to future: how paper carrier bags contribute to the circular bioeconomy
With the adoption of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), retailers and brand owners are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. The regulation sets ambitious targets for packaging waste reduction, recyclability and responsible use of resources.
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aper carrier bags meet the highest standards. They are made from renewable raw materials sourced from sustainable forest management and are reusable and recyclable. But that’s not all: the kraft paper and paper carrier bag manufacturers are constantly working to conserve resources, minimise environmental impact and increase product quality at all stages of the production process – and they have been doing so long before the PPWR came into force. “Saving resources has a long tradition in our industry,” says Elin Gordon, secretary general of CEPI Eurokraft. “The concept of sustainability was introduced in the early 18th century in connection with the responsible use of wood as a resource. And this principle still defi nes how we operate today.” The primary raw material for kraft paper is wood fi bre, mostly sourced from sustainably managed European forests. In these forests, trees are selectively harvested, primarily removing dead, weak or misshapen ones to support healthy growth. This practice supports the objectives of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). FSC and PEFC certifi cations also ensure the traceability of the raw materials and confi rm that they originate from responsibly managed, deforestation- free sources. Adding to that, the kraft paper industry relies on process waste from the timber industry such as wood chips and thinning wood – this way, no part of the tree is wasted.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT KRAFT PAPER PRODUCTION
Kraft paper production is highly energy-effi cient. A large proportion of renewable energy sources is being used, while the reliance on fossil fuels is decreasing. According to a study by RISE: The carbon footprint of kraft sack paper and kraft paper sacks 2021, July 2023 , in 2021, biofuels accounted for 92 per cent of all fuels consumed for kraft paper production, with 78 per cent being generated in the mills during the production process.
the average water intake per tonne of paper by approximately 40 per cent. Modern paper mills treat and reuse process water multiple times before returning around 90 per cent to its source in a clean state. The remaining 10 per cent either evaporates, remains in the product or is retained in solid waste.
REUSING PRODUCTION WASTE
All parts of a tree are used. Copyright: The Paper Bag 23 September 2025
Additionally, the mills produced 59 per cent of their own electricity requirements. Of the purchased grid electricity consumed by the mills in 2021, 29 per cent was identifi ed as “green” electricity.
RECYCLING WATER IN PAPER PRODUCTION In addition to energy, water is used effi ciently and responsibly in the papermaking process. Most pulp and paper mills are strategically located near abundant water sources. In Europe, the majority draw primarily from surface water – rivers and lakes account for 87 per cent of their intake. Groundwater provides another 12 per cent, while only 1 per cent comes from public water supplies. Since the 1990s, the industry has reduced
Residuals from kraft paper production, such as pulp residues, are fed back into the production cycle. When it comes to conversion, the paper carrier bag converters order paper in the exact quantity and size required for each order. Any waste generated during machine set-up, as well as production residues, are carefully sorted by type and turned to recycling. Remaining inks and adhesives are stored and reused for future orders. “This contributes to a closed-loop manufacturing process that minimises landfi ll waste and supports material effi ciency,” states Gordon.
Smart design: less is more
Paper carrier bags are designed to use only the amount of material needed to meet performance requirements. Their material effi ciency has improved in the last two decades, with the strength of kraft paper having been optimised by 45 per cent. The durability of high-quality paper carrier bags allows them to carry heavy loads with minimal material use. This aligns with the PPWR’s emphasis on reducing unnecessary packaging.
High-quality paper carrier bags can be reused several times. Copyright: iStock
22 October 2025
REUSABILITY AND RECYCLABILITY Thanks to their strength, high-quality paper carrier bags can be reused several times. Reusing a bag as long as possible conserves natural resources that would otherwise be utilised in the production of a new bag. And when it is no longer suitable for reuse, paper carrier bags can easily be recycled through local waste streams. According to a study, paper-based packaging can be recycled more than 25 times.
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