Nestlé, Danone and Mars are among the members of a new alliance that aims to increase awareness about the benefits of fibre-based packaging materials.
Called 4evergreen, the initiative is led by the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI).
The alliance will advocate for EU legislation supporting product design for recyclability and call for the development of optimised collection systems and appropriate recycling infrastructures.
It also looks to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy that minimises climate and environmental impact.
“The time to act is now,” said Jori Ringman, director general at CEPI. “Our industry already has a strong track record in environmental performance and recycling, but our ambition is higher.
“We are driving a system-wide shift to transition to the next level of circularity and climate resilience. 4evergreen will be the place for the whole industry value chain to co-create and collaborate for a change.”
4evergreen was created as a forum to engage and connect industry members from across the fibre-based packaging value chain, from paper and board producers to packaging converters, brand-owners and retailers, technology and material suppliers, waste sorters and collectors.
The first 4evergreen alliance members include Nestlé, Danone, Mars, Stora Enso, Smurfit Kappa, Sappi, Metsä Board, UPM, Mayr-Melnhof Group, Reno de Medici, Mondi, Burgo, Kotkamills, Ahlstrom Munksjö, International Paper, BillerudKorsnäs, Huhtamäki, SEDA, SIG Combibloc, Tetra Pak, Elopak, Walki, Schur Group, Cardbox Packaging, Firstan, Westrock, Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co, Graphic Packaging International, AR Packaging, Baumer hhs, Van Genechten Packaging Group and Sonoco.
“Fibre-based packaging can be a game-changer for material substitution,” said Eija Hietavuo, chairwoman of 4evergreen and senior vice president sustainability Stora Enso Consumer Board.
“Our common goal is to deliver a holistic approach to optimise the sustainability and circularity of the fibre-based packaging’s life cycle.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024