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Sustainable Packaging Report: The for

What’s in this report

This report explores the advantages of choosing certified paper as a packaging material choice, the applications it’s appropriate for, and examples of paper packaging innovations. It also provides information on how to source certified paper packaging.

This is a report for any business or packaging manufacturer looking for inspiration on what’s possible within the paper packaging sector.

Introduction 4

Why choose paper packaging? 5

Why choose certified packaging? 7

When can I use certified paper packaging? 8

Innovations in Paper and Fibre Based Packaging 9

Selfridges & James Cropper 12

Riverford Organic Farmers & Verpackungszentrum 14

Garnier & Albéa Group 16

Alara Wholefoods and Protos Packaging 18

Protega Global Ltd 20

Abel & Cole & GWP Group (Corrboard) 22

The way forward 24

Front cover image: GWP Group Image on this page: Riverford Organic Farmers

30

Flexi-Hex

2 3 Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that the risk The forests that paper packaging come from relating to COVID-19 transmission from surfaces make positive contributions to the world as Introduction is relatively low, particularly from FMCGs and beautiful landscapes, places to visit and enjoy, parcels.5 A recent study showed the varying places for wildlife to thrive, protecting soil There’s a growing awareness that the world is facing a packaging crisis. stability of the coronavirus on different surfaces and , and as carbon sinks to combat – cardboard had one of the lowest levels of climate change. This report explores what Urgent action is required across the board to reduce overall packaging transmission, presumably because of its porous advantages certified paper and packaging use and to secure a future that’s free from . Individuals, nature.6 offers as a material choice, the applications it’s appropriate for, and examples of packaging businesses, governments, public bodies, and non-governmental With demand for paper packaging growing, innovations and applications for businesses. it’s a great packaging option for businesses organisations all need to work together to find innovative solutions. It also provides information on how to source to consider, especially when it also has such certified paper packaging. strong credentials. Businesses are faced with a range of options major requirements must be addressed: first, a when it comes to packaging, but it’s difficult to good sustainability narrative; second, design know what to choose and why. Functionality with hygiene in mind, given recent heightened and cost are always front of mind, but there’s a consumer-safety concerns; and third, design for need to factor in sustainability considerations as e-commerce, ship-ready design, and direct-to- well. These include the material source and how consumer models.1 Why choose paper it’s manufactured, its transportation footprint, One thing that‘s remained a constant is the and the end of life options within the existing demand for . A recent infrastructure. Thought should also be given survey of over 1,000 UK adults has shown that to potential negative externalities, for example: packaging? environmentally-friendly packaging remains will the packaging damage or reduce the a priority, and that sustainability concerns productivity of natural ecosystems if it escapes Paper packaging can protect goods, for a circular economy. Certified plantations have actually increased during the COVID-19 collection systems? Of course, the starting point provide product information, and be both capture carbon from the atmosphere and lock pandemic.2 Unrecyclable packaging was seen should always be to determine if packaging is biodegradable and easily recyclable. Forest- it into products, from buildings and furniture, as the biggest concern, followed closely by even necessary at all! sourced fibre can also be used to make to the raw fibre for the paper and packaging excessive packaging.3 cellulose-based plastics and films. This type manufacturers. Trees capture carbon through The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many Despite the fact that packaging has been seen of material offers many advantages as a photosynthesis, and in turn produce oxygen as things, including packaging design and as more important during the pandemic from packaging choice, for example: a waste by-product. considerations. Indeed, McKinsey believe a food safety perspective, paper has actually packaging companies must rethink packaging However, renewable becomes irrelevant if the come out on top in terms of being thought of design beyond ‘must-haves,’ and that three paper is coming from global deforestation - one as the safest material.4 Research from the World It’s from a renewable source of the major contributors to climate change and Unlike some other packaging materials, paper loss of wildlife habitat. It’s estimated that 15% is sourced from a : trees. of all emissions are the result The majority of globally produced paper Which of the following do you see as the safest in COVID-19? of deforestation.7 Choosing certified sources, comes from ‘production forests’ - fast growing such as those discussed later in this report, can wood growing operations with harvesting 40% help to ensure packaging comes from trees that cycles of as little as 5-10 years in the tropics, have been grown and harvested responsibly, to 35-40 years in temperate climates. Certified for example: certified forests must take into plantations are examples of sustainable forest 30% consideration high conservation values (HCV) management (SFM) and are guaranteed not to and plan accordingly to ensure activity in forests have been converted from natural forests. SFM does not have a negative impact on . 20% provides timber and wood fibre to a wide range of industries, which are the core materials

10%

1 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/paper-forest-products-and-packaging/our-insights/beyond-covid-19-the-next-normal-for-packaging-design# 2 https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/plastic/germ-phobia-versus-green-intentions-attitudes-to-sustainable-packaging-in-covid/648943.article Plastic packaging Paper packaging Metal packaging No packaging I don’t see any 3 Ibid. difference in safety 4 Ibid. 5 https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and- answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/plastic/germ-phobia-versus-green-intentions-attitudes-to-sustainable-packaging-in-covid/648943.article 6 https://www.niaid.nih.gov/news-events/new-coronavirus-stable-hours-surfaces 7 Smith et al. 2014 4 5 As well as acting as a carbon sink, forests provide carbon, water, soil and recreation. Certification How long packaging takes to decompose a range of ecosystem services. It’s estimated also helps to protect workers’ rights and ensure that 1.6 billion people rely on the benefits forests inclusive consultations before commencing offer, including food, fresh water, clothing, activities, as well as on-going impact traditional medicine and shelter. Although monitoring. 500- 1

forest plantations don’t have the qualities of a 6 50 450 1000 million months years years natural forest, they can ensure good working years years conditions for local people and encourage It’s the most recycled material room for indigenous trees, wetlands and Paper packaging is widely recycled globally natural structures within the area. This is more and is collected at a household level, enabling likely to be the case in certified forests, which citizens to feel involved in tackling waste. The incentivises the restoration and conservation of UK rate for paper is 79%, the highest forest ecosystem services, such as biodiversity, recycling rate of any material.

100% Paper Tin can Plastic Ziploc bottle 90% 80% https://www.rd.com/list/everyday-items-longest-decompose/ https://www.dailysabah.com/feature/2019/01/23/nature-cant-do-it-all-how-long-does-it-take-for-our-waste-to-decompose 70% 60% 50% 40% Why choose certified 30%

Achieved Recycling Rate Recycling Achieved 20% packaging? 10% Metal Paper Glass Plastic Wood Paper and card made with forest fibres are PEFC Packaging material a popular choice for packaging materials. However, such materials can also be the product of deforestation or poor forestry practices; a Packaging recycling, split by material, UK 2017 (DEFRA) threat not only to the world’s forests, but also to business and brand reputation. Choosing certified materials helps to ensure the positive externalities associated with paper packaging are realised, securing a long-term source It doesn’t pollute the environment of paper and card, as well as demonstrating If paper packaging does escape the waste a commitment to responsible forestry to recycling system, it won’t persist in the customers. environment, as it’s biodegradable. The time Worldwide, there are two internationally it takes to biodegrade varies, depending on a recognised systems for the certification number of environmental factors, for example: of sustainable forestry management and corrugated cardboard may decompose in as its supply chain – the Forest little as three months, if broken down into Council® and the Programme for the pieces and home composted. Even in a drier Endorsement of Forest Certification™. While and sterile environment, prolonged contact PEFC™ and FSC® share the same goals, they with microorganisms will eventually result in In practice, this means that when a product choose different routes to get there. decomposition. Other common packaging or packaging bears the FSC or PEFC logo, materials such as aluminium, glass and plastic Both FSC and PEFC operate a chain of custody customers are assured that it has been made with can take considerably longer to biodegrade and process that traces material through the supply material from responsible sources. FSC and PEFC pose a threat to wildlife. chain, from the forest to the end user, in a robust both apply rules for the use of their with a and transparent way. logo on products.

6 7 Innovations in Paper and What is PEFC What is FSC certified certified packaging? packaging? FSC works to take care of Fibre Based Packaging PEFC is an umbrella organisation and mutual the world’s forests for future recognition scheme of generations – to help ensure we have Written by Tom Hallam of Brand Ethics national standards – e.g. UK Woodland Forests For All Forever. The FSC forest Assurance Standard in the UK or the management standards are developed USA’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative through broad stakeholder engagement (SFI). Any national certification system and set requirements for responsible To help counter this alarming trend a number seeking to obtain PEFC endorsement forest management. Responsible forest of International Organisations have set must submit to a comprehensive and management, as promoted by FSC, out guidelines to help the key stakeholders rigorous assessment process, including maintains and enhances biodiversity and operate in a more sustainable manner. Good independent evaluation and public ecological processes. It aims to protect examples of this are the Circular Economy consultation, to ensure it complies the rights of workers, communities, and framework provided by the The Ellen MacArthur with the internationally recognised Indigenous Peoples, while respecting the and section 12 “Ensure Sustainable PEFC International Benchmarks. PEFC economic viability of forest management Consumption and Production Patterns” of 1 recognises two labels to be used on operations. FSC recognises three labels to be the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals. certified products: the Certified and used on certified products: 100%, Mix and We need to ensure that all new products, and Recycled labels. Recycled. FSC Mix can be used on a certified packaging, incorporate “eco design” in their Find out more on the PEFC website. product if at least 70% of the material development. This means responsible sourcing comes from FSC-certified forests, recycled of all raw materials, using low carbon production materials, and other controlled sources. processes/logistics and prioritising as Find out more on the FSC website. the preferred end of life solution (without compromising recyclability). Certification, at Tom Hallam is the Owner of Brand Ethics each stage of the Supply Chain, will help ensure Limited, a consultancy which helps that a Brand Owner/Retailer’s approach to Brand Owners and Retailers reduce the achieving these goals is robust. environmental impact of their packaging So what is the Forest Products industry portfolios. Tom has >20 years of experience waiting for? A number of obstacles exist. When can I use certified in the Consumer Goods and Forest Products Plastic packaging is easy to produce and is sectors from his time with BillerudKorsnäs, unrealistically cheap - the “externalities” of DS Smith, UPM and Reckitt Benckiser. plastic production and use are not reflected in paper packaging? taxation. “End of life” is also difficult to tackle www.brand-ethics.com in the UK due to the incredibly fragmented collection and recycling infrastructure. Also Whether you source printed or non-printed consider that the development of a truly new customer facing packaging, or transport fibre based innovation will typically involve 3 packaging, there are plenty of certified options To understand the packaging needs of the stakeholders (a Raw Material Supplier, Machine available. Certified packaging products include, modern consumer we must consider their Manufacturer and a Brand Owner) and can take but are not limited to: wooden and composite lifestyle traits. Most people in the 21-65 age 3-5 years to bring to the market. ; solid-timber and plywood packing cases bracket could be described as “cash rich and time and ; cardboard and corrugated paper, and poor” – a combination which has led to a huge Despite these challenges the innovations below, paper bags; sleeves, , and labels. increase in the consumption of convenience all of which can be supplied with certification, There are even certified cork closures for wine products, particularly in the Food & Beverage demonstrate that we can substitute unnecessary and champagne. The card and paper packaging sector. This has led to the exponential growth in plastics with fibre based alternatives: industry is constantly innovating, and brands plastic packaging. are finding new ways of using this to their advantage, which we’ll explore further in the next section.

GWP Group Corrboard

1 https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12 9 All their products are made from FSC Certified Syntegon shaped Paper Pods paper and over 85% recycled paper pulp. Our patented sleeves are made from a honeycomb paper structure that simply slots over and wraps around fragile products thanks to its malleable nature, creating an incredibly strong layer of protection”

Raflatac Sustainable Labels

Iggesund Fibre Food Trays Paptic Mailing Bags

There are two main substrate options available to Shaped Paper Pods brand owners for this application, both available At the 2020 Packaging Europe Sustainability with forest certification. Paptic is the premium Awards, Syntegon were announced as offer in this market – a material that imitates the the winner in the Machinery category for functional benefits of plastic but it is made from their work with formable paper on their renewable raw materials. Paptic offers water TPU 1000 machine. Their partnership with resistance and can be reused many times but is BillerudKorsnäs means that 3D paper based also recyclable with paper and board. Mailing portion packs (up to 100ml) can be produced bags can now also be manufactured using strong using FibreForm. This packaging is a direct and durable paper grades from a variety of Sustainable Labels suppliers thanks to developments in machinery substitute for existing plastic packs in the food Labels are often overlooked by those wanting and paper quality. and sectors and can be used for a to reduce the impact of their packaging. wide variety of single-serving applications such PureFiber Serving Dishes UPM Raflatac is one of the pioneers of this as moisturisers, confectionery, margarine or market segment and their recent innovations ketchup/sauces. Flexi-Hex Transit Packaging reflect this. RAFNXT+ paper label materials are sourced Simon Johansson, project lead at PureFiber by Stora Enso is a new selection of from sustainably managed FSC certified forests BillerudKorsnäs commented “We’re by the side formed fibre products helping customers to and use less raw materials, and water, of the customer from day one to successful replace plastics in the Food Service segment. and generate less waste during their lifecycle product launch in our proof of concept projects Formed fibre products are food contact compared to standard labels. The resulting – from idea to shelf in three steps. “We develop approved and can either be recycled or CO2 reduction has been verified by the Carbon a completely customised solution regarding composted after use. Products using PureFiber 2 Trust. design, functionality and barrier properties enable CO footprint savings of 75% compared which we then prototype and test in trial runs to alternative packaging materials, such as on the machine at the factory in Waiblingen” plastic or bagasse. UPM Raflatac Forest Film PE wood based labels are the result of a E-Commerce Mailing Bags collaboration between UPM Bioverno and Formed Fibre Based Food Trays Dow Chemical and are considered to be the One of the breakthrough paper packaging World’s first PE label produced uniquely Launched in October 2020 by Iggesund innovations in 2020 was the mainstream E-Commerce Transit Packaging from renewable resources. The labels come is Inverform, a formed paper based commercialisation of fibre based e-commerce Flexi-Hex is a great example of how plastic can with International Sustainability & Carbon tray for all types of food application. At present mailing bags. the tray is manufactured using 330gsm paper be substituted without loss in performance. The Certification (ISSC Plus) as standard. with a 40gsm PET barrier but by Q1 2021 other It is estimated that there are a staggering 50 product is simple, requires no barrier and has variants will be available. billion plastic mailing bags used globally each clear and measurable environmental benefits. year, a problem compounded by a lack of a Sam Boex, Co-Owner Flexi-Hex says “Flexi-Hex Hein van den Reek, Director of New Business, collection and recycling infrastructure for Iggesund Paperboard said “We will enter the creates relatively simple packaging solutions that plastic films. Add to this e-commerce sales are 100% plastic free and recyclable. market of food trays with Inverform. Today this growth of 15-20% per annum, and the need for uses a PET layer, the next step is to apply a bio- a sustainable substitute is clear. based barrier and the step beyond that will be thin bio-based dispersion barriers”

10 11 Businesses leading the way Manufacturer: James Cropper PLC James Cropper’s world-first paper cup recycling process, CupCycling™, enables Selfridges Selfridges & James to create elements of its iconic yellow Kraft shopping bags in a completely unique closed- loop recycling solution. One large paper Cropper PLC will contain the equivalent of an 8oz cup. The remaining paper fibre is taken from FSC From beans to bags - creating an upcycled product certified responsibly managed forestry sources. with a closed-loop waste cycle Product The current makeup of the shopping bags The iconic yellow branding for Selfridges, Streamlining ‘end of life’ replaces a 100% virgin paper alternative. Each the famous UK department store, is instantly solutions bag displays the CupCycling™ logo, verifying recognisable - nothing personifies this more The circular design principles put the end- that the waste fibre has been processed through than their paper shopping bags. As part James Cropper’s recycling facility. After use, the of-life of their packaging at the forefront Certification is no longer a of Project Ocean, which launched in 2011, bags can then be recycled in the standard paper Selfridges made a commitment to tackle plastic of product development decision making. differentiator; it’s become the norm. While packaging that’s made up of different waste stream. “ pollution and marine conservation by removing The more we advance in sustainable components often has multiple end-of-life unnecessary or problematic plastic from their James Cropper produces uncoated paper products, and the more the mindset of packaging. disposal routes, the brand aims to use one products, all manufactured without the addition material for all components, where possible, of chemicals, which would present a hazard in our customers and the end consumer Paper is often the preferred alternative but not to avoid this - for example removing plastic use, or impair the ability to be recycled. evolves, the more selective the without considering the impact of this material. windows from all food products. demand becomes. Where possible opting for paper from recycled The manufacturer encourages their paper sources or from FSC certified non Ancient and Together with James Cropper, they’ve not only products to be recycled at the end-of-life stage Julie Tomlinson, Marketing Communications non-endangered responsibly managed forests created a solution that means fewer virgin to keep this valuable resource in the supply Manager @ James Cropper“ within their shopping bags and wider packaging. materials are used, they’ve also hugely reduced chain. They also provide clients with a life cycle Selfridges is constantly looking for ways to make wastage of a single use product by introducing it analysis, showing the environmental impact of their business more sustainable and welcomes back into the stream. Selfridges the various fibre options available to them. innovation to solve problems Kraft yellow bags are one of their most iconic branding items, and that in itself has helped The problem: Coffee cups used by staff (despite to make this one of the most memorable of course encouraging and incentivising sustainability initiatives for their staff and reusable ) are often not kerbside customers. recyclable due to a laminated lining. Why FSC certification is • One large bag contains 20% coffee cup The solution important to Selfridges waste = equivalent of one 8oz cup In 2017 Selfridges approached manufacturer, Selfridges is committed to changing the way • 80% of bag made of materials from James Cropper, who created a process that it does business and reinventing retail. As part FSC certified responsibly upcycles the waste coffee cups collected from of its sustainability initiative, Project Earth, managed forestry sources Selfridges employees into paper. Selfridges is putting sustainability and creativity The recycled pulp from the cups that cannot at the heart of the business by exploring circular be recycled at kerbside now makes up 20% of retail models, inspiring a shift in mindsets and Selfridges ’s Kraft shopping bags which reduces addressing the materials it uses. By 2025, the the amount of virgin material used in their most impactful materials used in every area packaging. Having dedicated cup recycling bins of the business from shop-fits and packaging At Selfridges, we believe in the in their sites, increases the company’s recycling to branded products will come from certified, “power of dynamic collisions – rate. Furthermore the paper in the Kraft bags is sustainable sources. exciting partnerships with those widely recycled at kerbside. Read Selfridges’ wood/paper commitment who share our values and can work statement here. with us to make a difference. Daniella Vega, Director of Sustainability“

12 13 Businesses leading the way Riverford Organic Farmers & Verpackungszentrum Using waste wood products for (VPZ) GmbH “packaging allows for huge reductions in non-renewable materials usage and Using forestry co-products to deliver on environmental commitments contributes to local and regional circular economy initiatives.

Zac Goodall, Sustainability and Ethics manager Produce home-delivery company, Riverford Using compostable beech nets also reduces @ Riverford Organic Farmers“ Organic aims to have little environmental the risk of environmental harm from netted impact with their packaging, while preserving packaging. They’re fully compostable - product quality. In 2018, founder Guy Singh- providing the same product quality as the Watson announced that the company would previous non-recyclable netting did - and create be reducing its plastic packaging as much a closed-circuit by utilising a waste product that as possible. Since then, they’ve released a can then be composted. Manufacturer: manifesto that commits to all Riverford packed Verpackungszentrum (VPZ) fruit and veg being in home compostable packaging by December 2020. Riverford’s Overcoming complications GmbH 3 most popular veg boxes were found to Rigorous quality testing of new produce Nearly 10 years ago VPZ decided to develop an alternative to the 30,000 tonnes of plastic contain 82% less plastic packaging collectively packaging is essential: the energy required • Packnatur® netting is biodegradable netting used per year for fruit and vegetables in when compared to representative packaged to produce and transport food to customers and HOME -certified in the EU alone. The outcome was the Packnatur® products across 7 UK supermarkets (Source: is significant. Therefore, if poor quality or Europe and the USA Savanta, 2019). degradation causes food to be thrown away cellulose netting. • The Higg Materials sustainability Climate change issues, like marine and land once it reaches customers, the carbon emissions index suggests the LENZING™ modal pollution and food waste, are really important can outweigh the benefits of a more sustainable Product fibres used in Packnatur® require to the brand. They’ve been using cardboard packaging option. The raw material used in Packnatur® cellulose far less resources than conventional boxes for their deliveries for over 20 years, but Some production costs increased, as the netting tube netting is beech wood, which is recovered materials when it came to reviewing their plastic netting is more expensive than plastic alternatives. It from certified beech forests in Austria and to maintain product integrity inside their also took time to implement the beech netting neighbouring countries. Forest thinning is • Riverford’s veg boxes contain 82% less boxes, it was a natural switch to a compostable correctly, for example: getting the netting a standard process in the industry, and is plastic than equivalent packaged replacement. The change was also influenced to work on existing equipment and staff required to provide enough light and space for products from major UK supermarkets by consistent customer feedback to reduce training staff for the new product. However, surrounding trees. plastic, and the knowledge that a compostable the environmental, marketing and customer This wood is transformed into modal netting made from waste products sat directly satisfaction benefits have all been worth it. within the Riverford ethos on packaging: fibres by Lenzing AG – the global market remove, reduce, reuse, recycle. leader in the Why PEFC certification is manufacture of cellulose fibre – using carbon- The first question we asked ourselves important to Riverford Organic neutral processes, in line with the strictest was: What happens if the material is not The solution environmental standards. “ Riverford Organic works hard to ensure disposed of as it was intended to be? In The nets are produced from a by-product of that the raw materials used for their food The production of raw materials does not the case of Packnatur® tube netting, the beech forestry in sustainable Austrian PEFC packaging come from sources that have as compete with the production of food, and answer is easy: it is biodegradable, as certified forests. When the trees grow to a minimal an environmental impact as possible. avoids the need for irrigation or the use well as compostable, and will therefore certain height, some are thinned out to give the Buying from FSC and PEFC sources supports of chemicals on farmland. Beech forests never harm the environment, no matter remaining trees space and light to grow. These responsible forest management and minimises regenerate naturally without the need for where it lands. thinnings would often go to woodfuel markets; the risk of purchasing forestry products from intense forest cultivation, as plantations instead, the manufacturer, Verpackungszentrum illegal logging and the degradation of forest would require. Magdalena Smoliner, Product Management @ GmbH, chips and pulps them, spinning the ecosystems. Verpackungszentrum“ GmbH output into a material similar to wool.

14 15 Businesses leading the way & Albéa Group Mass market beauty brand takes giant step on packaging

Global beauty brand, Garnier, recently launched environmental benefits, and a reduction in CO2 the first generation of cosmetic tubes that emissions compared to their former Garnier integrates FSC certified cardboard in their Organic 50ml tube. packaging within their organic skincare line. Current cosmetic tubes made from plastic This is one of a number of actions within are not recyclable via mainstream methods Garnier’s ‘Green Beauty Initiative’: an end-to-end in the UK therefore this launch is a major approach to sustainability that aims to radically breakthrough in reducing the plastic usage, the reduce the environmental impact of their value weight of the product and ensuring Garnier are Manufacturer: Albéa Group chain. maintaining a good customer experience and Albéa Group is one of the world’s largest Garnier’s green beauty strategy is based on 5 protecting the formula. Garnier’s innovation wholesalers, progress areas: eco-designed packaging and teams are currently working on leveraging the manufacturing solutions for many well known formulas, sustainable factories and sourcing, amount of cardboard to make the packaging brands. They’re committed to responsible and supporting initiatives working towards a recyclable, as well as integrating post-consumer packaging and sustainability, as well as greener planet. Some of the key pillars of this recycled plastic in the tube as it is their ambition reducing their environmental impacts, and strategy include reducing the weight and size to transition all of their plastic packaging to be using FSC certified materials is one of the ways of packaging, and innovating to create entirely reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. they’re working to achieve these commitments. plastic-free packaging. Why FSC certification is Product The solution important to Garnier One of the pillars of Albéa Group’s circular Working closely with their manufacturer, Albéa Using certified cardboard is part of Garnier’s manufacturing strategy is to include more Group, Garnier co-developed the first cosmetic Green Beauty commitments: 100% of their post-consumer-recycled (PCR) or bio-based tube that replaces part of the plastic with paper- cardboard boxes and paper products have a material in their packaging. Fueled by Garnier’s • Garnier’s first generation integrated based, FSC certified material. While creating this responsibly managed forest certification, such strategies, and their own ambitions, this break- FSC certified cardboard cosmetic alternative, the brand also took the opportunity as FSC, and they won’t compromise on this. through packaging innovation incorporates tube, with a lighter cap, has to reduce the cap size, removing plastic usage sustainably sourced certified cardboard in the COVID-19 has reinforced their motivations, as reduced the plastic per tube by 49% even further, reducing the plastic per tube by tube’s laminate web, aligning with the ‘less well as a consumer demand for a greener and 49% compared to their previous packaging. plastic’ trend sweeping the globe. • The packaging is also 29% lighter, healthier planet. Today, our world faces distinct The packaging is also 29% lighter, which has which has resulted in reductions challenges, and consumers are increasingly Using certified materials was a key point resulted in reductions of impact, including CO2 of impact, including CO2 from changing their behaviour, becoming of focus during the development process. from transporting the products. transporting the products more conscious of the need to protect the Looking at all the aspects of the product environment, and preserve natural resources lifecycle - from raw material to end of life Overcoming challenges for future generations. Garnier sees themselves - they used a proprietary life cycle analysis Garnier aims to bring more sustainable, as having an opportunity to make a real impact, (LCA) tool to measure packaging impact, naturally derived beauty to the mass market at helping to create access to sustainable beauty assess the recyclability of the materials, while affordable prices. Innovation such as this can be for all. the right level of protection, performance and We believe that cosmetic packaging a challenge in itself, but they endeavor to stay desirability. can be both desirable and sustainable. true to their purpose, while radically reducing “ The demand for responsible packaging has We believe in the pressing need to There can be no responsible packaging their environmental impact in offering increased exponentially over the past 3 years. without a responsible company, and customers more sustainable choices. shift from a linear approach, whereby “ People’s personal impact on the planet is now our transparency and traceability are companies ‘take, make and dispose’ The brand has performed comparative life a major concern for all of their stakeholders. As part of that wider ambition. cycle analyses (LCAs) on their new packaging of natural resources, to a more such, the market success of this cosmetic tube solution, and the first results show good circular, regenerative economy. solution has generated much interest from other Caroline Hughes, Director of Marketing brands, both in the beauty industry and others. @ Albéa Group “ Aurélie Weinling, Garnier International Scientific & Sustainability Director “ 16 17 Businesses leading the way Alara Wholefoods & Protos

Packaging Compostable materials have grown in popularity, so our determination Prioritising consumer demand for eco-conscious packaging “ to offer as wide a range of products as possible is partly driven by customer demand, alongside our responsible Alara Wholefoods are specialists in producing Overcoming complications organic cereals and are credited as the world’s attitude towards the environment Despite a slight increase in cost for certified first plastic free cereal brand. They’ve spent 30 packaging, Alara believes you can’t put a price Max McKeague, Director @ Protos Packaging years working on ways to make their products on saving the planet. They’re still able to sell as eco-friendly as possible, creating their Four their products at a competitive price, and the Pillars of Sustainability. For them, there was no “ biggest benefit of the material is its end-of-life other choice but to use paper or wood-based process, which allows it to be compostable. This packaging. is something that they’ve found to be a strong One of the brand’s most important goals was selling point for customers. to be able to claim that their packaging is 100% Manufacturer: Protos Packaging Occasionally, lead times for the materials can be plastic free, and that it could break down in an As an independent, privately-owned company lengthy, but Alara overcomes this with a great environmentally friendly way. As such, they with almost 30 years of industry experience, production and logistics team that work directly wanted their customers to be able to choose Protos Packaging strive to offer all their with Protos Packaging to plan well in advance. their products knowing that their purchases customers a viable alternative to traditional This forward thinking ensures they always wouldn’t have a negative impact on the thermoplastic packing films, and now offer have enough materials for the products they’re environment. one of the widest ranges of bespoke flexible currently producing. packaging products and services in the The solution industry. To keep at the forefront of packaging Why FSC and PEFC certifications innovations, and to offer competitive pricing to Both Alara’s factory and their packaging are are important to Alara their customers, they’re constantly adapting and ‘’. Their most recent innovation, for improving their in-house conversion processes Alara use FSC and PEFC certified materials for which they worked with Protos Packaging, is to suit these new materials. their biodegradable inner cereal bags. These both their cardboard boxes and film in their cereal packaging. These certifications are very bags may look like plastic, but the material The long term impact of choosing is actually more like a specialist see-through important to the brand because of the credibility Product sustainable packaging is worth so paper, made up primarily of eucalyptus cellulose they bring to their sustainability claims. Protos Packaging imports, stocks and converts “ from certified forests. This new packaging will Without these certifications, they felt they food grade flexible packaging films, such as much more than any extra turnover biodegrade in a home compost heap over 3 wouldn’t be taken seriously. This also allows biaxially-oriented and cast , businesses make now, by saving on less months, returning to the soil in a cyclical end of them to promote their ‘plastic free’ and ‘home , cellulose, laminates, polyolefins and environmentally conscious alternatives. life process. compostable’ status. One of the main reasons biodegradables. they’ve discovered that people choose Alara Alex Smith, Founder @ Alara Their new packaging also meets three other products is because of its environmental image; One of these materials is ProGanic-Cello: “ stringent test areas, including disintegration, using certified materials allows for further the ‘holy grail’ of environmentally-friendly ecotoxicity and heavy metals content, which improvements to their processes with a packaging. This biodegradable film is qualifies products as suitable for the Austria credible backing. manufactured primarily from eucalyptus ‘plastic free’ trust mark. wood pulp from certified forests. Its end-of-life cycle, which is suitable for home composting, • Alara packaging is 100% plastic free is a major selling point to Protos Packaging’s customers. When they started working with • Alara’s ProGanic-Cello inner cereal bags Alara about a year ago, Alara were already using will biodegrade in a home compost a similar compostable material, but Protos heap over 3 months Packaging were able to optimise the widths of material they were running to reduce waste and cost.

18 19 Businesses leading the way Protega Global Ltd Cushioning the rise of online shopping with low-impact sustainable packaging

Product Protega Global Ltd is a sustainable paper- based packaging manufacturer. One of their innovations includes a machine that forms a 100% recyclable paper cushion from a folded paper roll, which protects goods whilst in transit to the end consumer. Triple folded paper rolls are fed into a machine, which produces a cushioned paper pad that doesn’t ‘settle’ in transit, offering more protection to the products it surrounds. With the growth of online shopping, and the rise of a returns culture, this solution is a welcome option over plastic alternatives, such as . It even consistently reduces breakages by 50% compared to plastic airbag alternatives. As Overcoming complications a result, a significant number of online retailers Establishing the chain of custody from their have had the confidence to make the switch limited supply chain has been a challenge for from plastic to paper this year. Protega. Having fewer sourcing options means they’ve had to work with suppliers to secure The machine itself is compact and small FSC certification, or pay a small premium enough to sit on a packing bench, if required, to ensure materials are certified. However, or can be mounted on a height-adjustable there hasn’t had to be a trade off between stand, enabling it to be integrated into packing maintaining the sustainability credentials and lines for optimum efficiency. fulfilling demand, on the whole. Establishing the supply chain initially, and Why FSC certification is reviewing the risks on a regular basis helps to important to Protega Global Ltd ensure continuity of the supply of sustainable Protega recently achieved FSC Chain of Custody paper-based packaging. certification with Soil Association Certification, as they have found that companies are clearly concerned that their paper packaging comes from sustainable and managed sources. They don’t want the increase of paper use to harm the The biggest challenge that we face environment at the source; if it did, then you’d be causing one problem to solve another. FSC “today is to reduce our impact on the certification is vital to reassuring packaging environment, whilst ensuring the users that they’re buying paper packaging that sustainability of organisations in today’s comes from responsible sources. competitive markets.

Richard Steedman, Sales Director @ Protega Global Ltd “

20 21 Businesses leading the way Manufacturer: GWP Group Award-winning design and manufacturing group, GWP, create a wide range of packaging materials, focusing particularly on corrugated Abel & Cole & GWP Group cardboard. They’re part owners of Corrboard, which manufactures a fully FSC certified and sustainably sourced corrugated cardboard (Corrboard) material. Corrboard also has the UK’s first anaerobic digester plant – a sustainable Thinking outside the cardboard for sustainable packaging solutions energy generation facility which is fuelled by organic waste.

As a company with sustainability at its heart, Having a good relationship with their packaging Product Abel & Cole made the decision to use cardboard manufacturer GWP, who were recently Cardboard is a cost effective, yet durable as their packaging material when the business successful in achieving certification themselves, packaging material that’s perfect for low- started 33 years ago. It’s a light, yet sturdy has been essential in achieving this. frequency trip applications across retail, material, and its impact on the weight of their industrial and e-commerce. All of the material GWP take a consultative, partnership approach deliveries is a high priority, as these properties used by Corrboard comes from FSC certified for all of their customers, and look to build long help to minimise miles per gallon to industry- Why FSC certification is important to Abel & Cole sources, so when a growing number of GWP’s term relationships with them. They strive to beating standards. With nationwide deliveries, customers – including Abel & Cole – showed Abel & Cole want to know that the materials educate businesses on the long-term impacts the brand recognises that their packaging needs increasing interest in having their packaging they source – whether for their packaging, and commercial opportunities of switching to to be made of a material that can be recycled by FSC certified across the full chain of custody; , or simply for office supplies – are not further fully paper-based packaging, as well as offering any facility nationwide, in case they aren’t able to it made sense for the business to also undertake contributing to the grave effects of deforestation. advice on recycling and end of life implications. collect it themselves. certification, especially as they place a strong FSC certification has a worldwide recognition, Their delivery boxes can also be collected and emphasis on being as environmentally and Abel & Cole trust the organisation’s work, re-used (they’ve recorded up to 8 re-uses). responsible as possible. which is why they choose to support it. Their The re-use of the boxes is communicated to customers recognise the logo and expect to customers from the point of sign-up, and the see it on the products they sell, and as part of brand regularly sends reminders to leave them their compliance and due diligence, Abel & out for drivers to pick up the following week. Cole also encourage their suppliers to use the They also explain how this helps to minimise A large part of GWPs value proposition is our focus on the environment, FSC trademark to raise awareness about the packaging use in these communications and on organisation’s good work. and how we can help our customers to become greener as well. their website. “ David Mason, Sales Director @ GWP Group In addition, Abel & Cole recently added to their “ sustainable shopping initiatives by launching their Club Zero scheme, allowing members to As a company with sustainability at buy pantry products in returnable containers “its heart, every decision is made with and return and refill them along with their fresh environmental responsibility in mind. produce deliveries. Marta Salva, Sustainability & Environmental Manager @ Abel & Cole “ Ensuring responsible sourcing FSC certification reassures the brand that when they do need to source virgin packaging materials, they can do so sustainably, in line with their values of social and environmental stewardship. Despite purchasing FSC certified materials for their cardboard boxes since the company’s inception in 1994, they wanted to prioritise full chain of custody certification to maintain the integrity in their packaging.

22 23 The way forward About Soil Association

Sustainable packaging is becoming ever more Certification Forestry important on shoppers’ priority lists, which in turn is forcing brands and retailers to rethink their packaging strategies. FSC and PEFC certified paper, and wood- Soil Association Certification Forestry certify Soil Association Certification fibre derived packaging benefits from strong and inspect to many schemes worldwide, Forestry Worldwide: environmental credentials, growing demand, including the globally recognised and trusted and exciting innovations being introduced every FSC and PEFC. What makes our service special year within the sector. This makes FSC and PEFC is the way we offer our certification services. We certified paper packaging an attractive option guarantee: We certify over for businesses looking to lessen their operational • Depth of expertise – we have a long track impact on the environment and enables them record of delivering the highest standards 25 to stay relevant among their customers and a of certification, including 20 years’ FSC million growing wave of conscious-consumers. certification experience hectares of forest So, where can businesses find certified paper • Flexibility – we offer a wide range of packaging options? certification and verification services, and will make sure you get what you need, Brands/retailers: whatever your sector or business Hopefully this report has given you lots of • You get unrivalled support and a personal inspiration and ideas on what’s possible with service throughout the process – from a paper packaging and reassure you that moving to dedicated Certification Officer, to a team of paper alternatives doesn’t mean compromising on Packaging manufacturers: technical experts and auditors We have over Shoppers and brands are demanding certified quality and durability. Once you’ve found a paper • You benefit from a range of practical paper packaging more and more, so if you’re 3600 or wood derived packaging alternative suitable for solutions to improve efficiency and keep interested in exploring certification for your clients your business and product, make sure you source costs down your packaging from an FSC or PEFC certified business, we can help. Rest assured that sufficient manufacturer and that they use certified materials, supplies of certified raw materials do exist, so be • We provide opportunites to develop your as companies can have a certificate, but also sell insistent with your supplier, if they say they can’t supply chain and reach new markets uncertified products. Packaging manufacturers source it. • Corporate Social Responsibility – as a are driven by their clients’ needs, including when To find out more about certification, or to contact trading subsidiary of a mission driven NGO, it comes to certifying their business, so don’t be the team, visit soilassociation.org/forestry by certifying with us, you support our work afraid to ask your current manufacturer to get promoting sustainable land management certified, or else shop around. worldwide; we get involved with industry We have clients Both PEFC and FSC have searchable databases sectors and promote our client’s products in over which can help you find paper and wood fibre that support sustainable forest management based packaging solutions: through projects like this report! 60 countries info.fsc.org/certificate.php#result Are you looking for certification? https://www.pefc.org/find-certified?mode=simpl e&page=1&search=&search= Find out more at soilassociation.org/forestry

PEFC certified forest in Heigenbrücken, Germany. 24 25 Get in touch Soil Association Certification Spear House 51 Victoria Street Bristol BS1 6AD 0300 330 0100 soilassociation.org

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