Stora Enso, along with other members of CEPI including Metsa Board, are joining forces with companies across the value chain to drive the recycling of fibre-based packaging and collaboration in circular design and materials to enable positive change in circular economy.
4evergreen aims to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy that minimises climate and environmental impact. In addition, the goals are to increase awareness about innovation in fibre-based packaging materials and recycling, set guidelines for product design enabling circularity and secondary use of fibres and support the development of optimized collection systems as well as critical recycling infrastructures and technologies adapted to fibre-based packaging.
The alliance brings together the whole value chain. In addition to Stora Enso and Metsa Board, members in the alliance include Nestlé, Danone, Huhtamäki, SIG Combibloc, SEDA, Elopak, Tetra Pak, Smurfit Kappa, AR Packaging and MARS among others.
“This is a critical step to strengthen circular bioeconomy in Europe and to boost the role of fibre-based packaging solutions in the market,” says Karl-Henrik Sundström, CEO of Stora Enso. “Plastic litter is a global problem that cannot be tackled without climate smart, renewable and recyclable solutions. Joining forces with companies across the value chain can bring about a real, transformative change.”
According to Eurostat, fibre-based packaging is already recycled in Europe at the rate of 84.6% and the volume of recycled fibre-based packaging alone equals that of all other recycled packaging materials together. The industry is looking to advance and bring to market new innovative products using recycled fibres through initiatives like 4evergreen.
“Extensive, global collaboration is essential in promoting circular economy and combating climate change. Together we can utilise the full potential of fibre-based packaging and provide solutions based on renewable raw materials for packaging of the future,” says Mika Joukio, CEO of Metsä Board.
