The power of paper

The rise of sustainability as a key criterion of packaging materials has led to increased interest in paper-based products. Paper offers a unique environmental performance compared to other materials. At a time when consumer markets are being hit by the recession, cost savings are equally important to brand owners and their suppliers.

“In addition to its excellent environmental credentials, the strong points of paper are its stiffness and breathability,” says Sören Slotte, sales operations director of packaging papers for UPM. “Fresh fibre-based papers are also clean and can be used in direct contact with food. For re-use, disposal and for energy production, paper also has clear advantages.”

UPM supplies Kraft papers and one side coated flexible packaging papers, used in a huge number of end uses and processes mainly related to paper bags, paper sacks and flexible packaging for food related items, but also in many industrial end uses such as construction.

“While plastics has its own role in this industry – both materials are needed – there are several end uses where paper is by far the most suitable material,” says Heikki Hyvärinen, UPM’s sales operations director for label and postal papers.

The sustainable credentials of UPM’s paper products are clear. Made from renewable and recyclable materials, and sourced from sustainably managed and certified forests, the company has an excellent record of managing and developing biodiversity as well as efficient production, often using renewable energy.

UPM has some of the most efficient and competitive production facilities in the industry, and its expertise and technological sophistication makes it a prominent presence in the market for fibrebased products. Its business model, products and life-cycle approach to itsoperations are based on an understanding of the need to manage the social and environmental impact of its raw materials and end products. Sustainability is in its DNA. It calls itself the Biofore Company (from the words bio and forest) to emphasise its drive towards a sustainable and innovation-driven future.

All UPMs European paper mills have achieved certification under the EU Eco-Label for paper, meaning that UPM papers are produced by mills which achieve amongst the best energy and resource efficiency. The EU Eco-Label is awarded to those mills which are in the top 10% in terms of energy and water use efficiency, waste management, restricted use of chemicals, and use of sustainable wood fibre.

In packaging applications, more brand owners are starting to understand the potential benefits of using paper-based materials, either alone or in combination with other materials.

“In packaging, paper is used in various applications, from heavy corrugated boxes to lightweight small bags and laminates,” says Mr Slotte. “It is a user-friendly material. Re-usability and disposal are becoming more important, and in this respect paper is excellent.”

Yet paper-based products need not rely solely on their green credentials. “It looks like functionality is the number one factor for our customers,” he adds. “Cost and environmental issues are second and third on the list of priorities.”

More than 60% of the paper and board used in Europe is recycled but are all types of paper recyclable, or are there any limitations? John Sanderson, UPM’s Director, Global Markets, Environmental Affairs, says all papers are technically recyclable, and widespread and easy recycling exists for most types of paper and board.

“Wet strength papers and laminated paper and board can sometimes present greater challenges to recycling,” he says, “though processes have recently been designed to further recycle these products offering alternative end uses such as wood plastics composite. Collection and recycling of wet strength and laminated paper and board does not however currently exist for all UK households.”

UPM is among those suppliers investing heavily to ensure that its performance, sustainability and cost continue to approach an optimal level.

The company is constantly searching for lightweight and tailor-made products for each end use in close operation with customers. Its main target is to improve both the efficiency and the sustainability of the whole converting chain.