NOTIFICATION: The Technology Channels will be discontinued on July 31.
Click here to download complimentary copies of Fastmarkets RISI’s pulp and paper newsletters.

 

CEPI

HEIDENHEIM, Germany, Oct. 17, 2018 (Press Release) -Today, at a special conference organized as part of the Paper and Beyond 2018 event in Brussels, the first phase of the PROVIDES project was officially completed. Voith was an active participant in the project, thus supporting the pulp and paper industry’s technological transition towards meeting its climate objectives.

PROVIDES, which stands for “Processes for Value added fibers by Innovative Deep Eutectic Solvents”, is a research and innovation project within the Biobased Industries Initiative, with the goal of significantly reducing CO2 emissions in pulp and papermaking.

The completion of the first phase was celebrated with the publication of a booklet describing the potential of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) for creating breakthrough innovations in the pulp and paper industry. The publication ‘Deep Eutectic Solvents in the paper industry’ can be downloadedhere.

Revolutionizing the industry

In November 2011, the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) launched its vision for the sector in the next 35 years, concluding that breakthrough technologies would be needed to make the industry more sustainable. Specifically, it aims to achieve an 80% reduction of CO2 emissions and at the same time create 50% more value. The PROVIDES consortium shows that a revolutionary change is now possible. New, mild pulping technologies based on natural Deep Eutectic Solvents lead to a significantly more sustainable process that is energy-, cost- and resource-effective, while producing much lower CO2 emissions.

The total DES concept

Deep Eutectic Solvents are nature-based, renewable, biodegradable, low-volatile and cost-effective. The overall objective of the DES concept is to achieve a 40% reduction of energy use and an 80% reduction of CO2 emissions in pulp and papermaking. The DES concept will enable the industry to obtain a radically new, sustainable and techno-economically feasible pulping technology, while also enabling the selective recovery of dissolved components. In addition, DES can be regenerated and recycled, ensuring economical use of resources. This technological innovation produces high-quality cellulose fibers for papermaking, while simultaneously producing high-quality lignin and hemicellulose fractions for a variety of high-volume applications.

Results and achievements

In the first phase of the PROVIDES project, more than one hundred new DES were developed. Of these, two have been further developed as successful delignifying agents. The project proved that the entire DES pulping process can be run at operational costs similar to those of kraft pulping, and that the resulting cellulose fibers have good tensile strength and extreme internal bond strength. In addition, it was proven that DES delignification results in 95% lignin removal, and that the lignin can be successfully recovered and the DES regenerated.

Next steps

In the coming years, the pulping part of the DES research cluster, coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT), will continue to conduct further applied research towards the realization of a DES pulping pilot and demo, ultimately leading to commercial implementation in 2030.

About Voith

Voith is a global technology group. With its wide range of plants, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets for energy, oil and gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees and earns 4.2 billion euros in sales. It has locations in over 60 countries and is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe.

The Division Paper is the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations Voith is optimizing the paper manufacturing process and facilitating resource-conserving production.

The company’s Papermaking 4.0 concept ensures that equipment is optimally networked, while the effective and secure use of the generated data enables paper manufacturers to improve their competitiveness. With its Servolution concept, Voith offers its customers tailored service solutions for all sections of the production process.

Voith actively participates in first phase completion of PROVIDES project at Paper and Beyond 2018 in Brussels

Posted in: Environment 10/17/2018 - 07:21

HEIDENHEIM, Germany, Oct. 17, 2018 (Press Release) -Today, at a special conference organized as part of the Paper and Beyond 2018 event in Brussels, the first phase of the PROVIDES project was officially completed. Voith was an active participant in the project, thus supporting the pulp and paper industry’s technological transition towards meeting its climate objectives.

PROVIDES, which stands for “Processes for Value added fibers by Innovative Deep Eutectic Solvents”, is a research and innovation project within the Biobased Industries Initiative, with the goal of significantly reducing CO2 emissions in pulp and papermaking.

The completion of the first phase was celebrated with the publication of a booklet describing the potential of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) for creating breakthrough innovations in the pulp and paper industry. The publication ‘Deep Eutectic Solvents in the paper industry’ can be downloadedhere.

Revolutionizing the industry

In November 2011, the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) launched its vision for the sector in the next 35 years, concluding that breakthrough technologies would be needed to make the industry more sustainable. Specifically, it aims to achieve an 80% reduction of CO2 emissions and at the same time create 50% more value. The PROVIDES consortium shows that a revolutionary change is now possible. New, mild pulping technologies based on natural Deep Eutectic Solvents lead to a significantly more sustainable process that is energy-, cost- and resource-effective, while producing much lower CO2 emissions.

The total DES concept

Deep Eutectic Solvents are nature-based, renewable, biodegradable, low-volatile and cost-effective. The overall objective of the DES concept is to achieve a 40% reduction of energy use and an 80% reduction of CO2 emissions in pulp and papermaking. The DES concept will enable the industry to obtain a radically new, sustainable and techno-economically feasible pulping technology, while also enabling the selective recovery of dissolved components. In addition, DES can be regenerated and recycled, ensuring economical use of resources. This technological innovation produces high-quality cellulose fibers for papermaking, while simultaneously producing high-quality lignin and hemicellulose fractions for a variety of high-volume applications.

Results and achievements

In the first phase of the PROVIDES project, more than one hundred new DES were developed. Of these, two have been further developed as successful delignifying agents. The project proved that the entire DES pulping process can be run at operational costs similar to those of kraft pulping, and that the resulting cellulose fibers have good tensile strength and extreme internal bond strength. In addition, it was proven that DES delignification results in 95% lignin removal, and that the lignin can be successfully recovered and the DES regenerated.

Next steps

In the coming years, the pulping part of the DES research cluster, coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT), will continue to conduct further applied research towards the realization of a DES pulping pilot and demo, ultimately leading to commercial implementation in 2030.

About Voith

Voith is a global technology group. With its wide range of plants, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets for energy, oil and gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees and earns 4.2 billion euros in sales. It has locations in over 60 countries and is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe.

The Division Paper is the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations Voith is optimizing the paper manufacturing process and facilitating resource-conserving production.

The company’s Papermaking 4.0 concept ensures that equipment is optimally networked, while the effective and secure use of the generated data enables paper manufacturers to improve their competitiveness. With its Servolution concept, Voith offers its customers tailored service solutions for all sections of the production process.

Read more

BRUSSELS, Oct. 17, 2018 (Press Release) -Today, at a special conference organised as part of the Paper and Beyond 2018 event in Brussels, the first phase of the PROVIDES project was officially completed. PROVIDES, which stands for ‘PROcesses for Value added fibres by Innovative Deep Eutectic Solvents’, is a research and innovation project within the Biobased Industries Initiative, with the goal of significantly reducing CO2 emissions in pulp and papermaking.

Sappi is an active participant in the project, thus supporting the pulp and paper industry’s technological transition towards meeting its climate objectives.

The completion of the first phase was celebrated with the publication of a booklet describing the potential of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) for creating breakthrough innovations in the pulp and paper industry. The publication ‘Deep Eutectic Solvents in the paper industry’ can be downloadedhere.

Revolutionising the industry

In November 2011, the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) launched its vision for the sector in the next 35 years, concluding that breakthrough technologies would be needed to make the industry more sustainable. Specifically, it aims to achieve an 80% reduction of CO2 emissions and at the same time create 50% more value. The PROVIDES consortium shows that a revolutionary change is now possible. New, mild pulping technologies based on natural Deep Eutectic Solvents lead to a significantly more sustainable process that is energy-, cost- and resource-effective, while producing much lower CO2 emissions.

The total DES concept

Deep Eutectic Solvents are nature-based, renewable, biodegradable, low-volatile and cost-effective. The overall objective of the DES concept is to achieve a 40% reduction of energy use and an 80% reduction of CO2 emissions in pulp and papermaking. The DES concept will enable the industry to obtain a radically new, sustainable and techno-economically feasible pulping technology, while also enabling the selective recovery of dissolved components. In addition, DESs can be regenerated and recycled, ensuring economical use of resources. This technological innovation produces high-quality cellulose fibres for papermaking, while simultaneously producing high-quality lignin and hemicellulose fractions for a variety of high-volume applications.

Results and achievements

In the first phase of the PROVIDES project, more than one hundred new DESs were developed. Of these, two have been further developed as successful delignifying agents. The project proved that the entire DES pulping process can be run at operational costs similar to those kraft pulping, and that the resulting cellulose fibres have good tensile strength and extreme internal bond strength. In addition, it was proven that DES delignification results in 95% lignin removal, and that the lignin can be successfully recovered and the DES regenerated.

Next steps

In the coming years, the pulping part of the DES research cluster, coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT), will continue to conduct further applied research towards the realisation of a DES pulping pilot and demo, ultimately leading to commercial implementation in 2030.

Sappi announces first phrase completion of PROVIDES project at Paper and Beyond 2018 in Brussels

Posted in: Environment 10/17/2018 - 02:26

BRUSSELS, Oct. 17, 2018 (Press Release) -Today, at a special conference organised as part of the Paper and Beyond 2018 event in Brussels, the first phase of the PROVIDES project was officially completed. PROVIDES, which stands for ‘PROcesses for Value added fibres by Innovative Deep Eutectic Solvents’, is a research and innovation project within the Biobased Industries Initiative, with the goal of significantly reducing CO2 emissions in pulp and papermaking.

Sappi is an active participant in the project, thus supporting the pulp and paper industry’s technological transition towards meeting its climate objectives.

The completion of the first phase was celebrated with the publication of a booklet describing the potential of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) for creating breakthrough innovations in the pulp and paper industry. The publication ‘Deep Eutectic Solvents in the paper industry’ can be downloadedhere.

Revolutionising the industry

In November 2011, the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) launched its vision for the sector in the next 35 years, concluding that breakthrough technologies would be needed to make the industry more sustainable. Specifically, it aims to achieve an 80% reduction of CO2 emissions and at the same time create 50% more value. The PROVIDES consortium shows that a revolutionary change is now possible. New, mild pulping technologies based on natural Deep Eutectic Solvents lead to a significantly more sustainable process that is energy-, cost- and resource-effective, while producing much lower CO2 emissions.

The total DES concept

Deep Eutectic Solvents are nature-based, renewable, biodegradable, low-volatile and cost-effective. The overall objective of the DES concept is to achieve a 40% reduction of energy use and an 80% reduction of CO2 emissions in pulp and papermaking. The DES concept will enable the industry to obtain a radically new, sustainable and techno-economically feasible pulping technology, while also enabling the selective recovery of dissolved components. In addition, DESs can be regenerated and recycled, ensuring economical use of resources. This technological innovation produces high-quality cellulose fibres for papermaking, while simultaneously producing high-quality lignin and hemicellulose fractions for a variety of high-volume applications.

Results and achievements

In the first phase of the PROVIDES project, more than one hundred new DESs were developed. Of these, two have been further developed as successful delignifying agents. The project proved that the entire DES pulping process can be run at operational costs similar to those kraft pulping, and that the resulting cellulose fibres have good tensile strength and extreme internal bond strength. In addition, it was proven that DES delignification results in 95% lignin removal, and that the lignin can be successfully recovered and the DES regenerated.

Next steps

In the coming years, the pulping part of the DES research cluster, coordinated by the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT), will continue to conduct further applied research towards the realisation of a DES pulping pilot and demo, ultimately leading to commercial implementation in 2030.

Read more

OSLO, Norway, Sept. 28, 2018 (Press Release) -CEPI, the European association representing the pulp and paper industry, today unveils a dynamic ‘live’ sustainability platform which demonstrates, amongst other things, industry’s sustainability achievements.

 “We are delighted to offer our members and the European industry at large a one-stop shop for all industry sustainability data and achievements” says Jori Ringman, Deputy Director General of CEPI. “The platform will be systematically updated once the new data becomes available; meaning our sustainability platform is always ‘live’ and up to date when you need it”.

The concept behind the platform

The new platform departs from the past practice of producing a new, ‘static’ sustainability report biannually. Building on CEPI’s more than twenty year history of being the focal point for third-party verified, industry data, all information on the site will be updated systematically multiple times per year. Users will be able to download the entire website as a PDF or pick and choose per policy section.

Pulp and paper company good practices, all in one place

The new platform also offers the possibility for companies across CEPI’s membership to display their good practices in the fields of bioeconomy, circular economy/recycling, environment, energy and climate change and forestry. The dedicated Good Practices section will be the focal point for researchers, journalists, policymakers and more seeking best examples from the sustainability leaders in our industry.

Key data for 2017 revealed

Following on from the publication of CEPI’s ‘Key Statistics’ in July, the new platform also reveals a wealth of data on industry’s sustainability achievements. Notably, new certification figures were made public showing that 83.2% of the pulp purchased by the industry is certified and that 70.7% of wood, woodchips or residues from saw mills purchased by the industry come from certified forests.  

CEPI unveils new live sustainability platform for demonstrating industry’s sustainability achievements

09/28/2018 - 05:01

OSLO, Norway, Sept. 28, 2018 (Press Release) -CEPI, the European association representing the pulp and paper industry, today unveils a dynamic ‘live’ sustainability platform which demonstrates, amongst other things, industry’s sustainability achievements.

 “We are delighted to offer our members and the European industry at large a one-stop shop for all industry sustainability data and achievements” says Jori Ringman, Deputy Director General of CEPI. “The platform will be systematically updated once the new data becomes available; meaning our sustainability platform is always ‘live’ and up to date when you need it”.

The concept behind the platform

The new platform departs from the past practice of producing a new, ‘static’ sustainability report biannually. Building on CEPI’s more than twenty year history of being the focal point for third-party verified, industry data, all information on the site will be updated systematically multiple times per year. Users will be able to download the entire website as a PDF or pick and choose per policy section.

Pulp and paper company good practices, all in one place

The new platform also offers the possibility for companies across CEPI’s membership to display their good practices in the fields of bioeconomy, circular economy/recycling, environment, energy and climate change and forestry. The dedicated Good Practices section will be the focal point for researchers, journalists, policymakers and more seeking best examples from the sustainability leaders in our industry.

Key data for 2017 revealed

Following on from the publication of CEPI’s ‘Key Statistics’ in July, the new platform also reveals a wealth of data on industry’s sustainability achievements. Notably, new certification figures were made public showing that 83.2% of the pulp purchased by the industry is certified and that 70.7% of wood, woodchips or residues from saw mills purchased by the industry come from certified forests.  

Read more

STOCKHOLM and PARIS , Sept. 25, 2018 (Press Release) -“The Paper Bag” platform, Europe’s leading kraft paper manufacturers’ and paper bags producers’ association, springs into action by launching the VERY FIRST European Paper Bag Day on 18 October 2018. The annual action day aims to raise awareness among consumers about paper carrier bags as sustainable and efficient packaging of the future that contributes to fighting environmental pollution. “The Paper Bag” is looking forward to the first event in 2018.

Paper carrier bags are strong and reliable shopping companions for all occasions. They carry almost anything up to 12 kg – whether food, fashion, luxury or decorative items and electronics. Due to the bags’ strength, the contents are optimally protected – and they can be reused several times. Paper bags also have convincing environmental benefits. They are made from renewable raw materials, are recyclable and biodegradable. “By celebrating the European Paper Bag Day, we want to highlight the benefits of paper bags and invite consumers to combine their packaging choices with a good conscience for the environment,” explains Elin Gordon, Secretary General of CEPI Eurokraft. “With our activities, we want to start a dialogue with consumers about paper packaging and give them revealing facts and create impulses for taking action to fight climate change and environmental pollution.”

Paper Bags foster a sustainable future

In Europe, the cellulose fibre that is used as raw material to produce paper bags is bio-based and drawn from sustainably managed European forest areas. Forests provide an important contribution to fighting climate change: The average annual sequestration of carbon in European forest biomass reaches 719 million tonnes of CO21. This offsets the total fossil CO2 emissions generated annually by a country like Germany2. The paper bags’ long fibres also make them a good source for recycling. On average, the fibres are reused 3.5 times in Europe3. Recycling paper means reducing emissions and is a further contribution to climate protection. Moreover, if a paper bag ends up in the environment or in sea by mistake, it degrades in a short period of time and does not harm any sea life. “In a world facing changing requirements due to globalisation, climate change and a scarcity of raw materials, a growing number of consumers engage in living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle,” says Gordon. “Using paper bags is an expression of this modern lifestyle that helps in fighting climate change and reducing plastic waste in our environment. With the European Paper Bag Day, we want to convince more people to act responsibly and use, reuse and recycle paper bags. Taking responsibility for the environment can be that simple.”

How to participate

All communications activities taking place around the action day will be communicated on the social media channels of the “The Paper Bag” under the hashtag #EuropeanPaperBagDay: on the Facebook fan page “Performance powered by nature” and the LinkedIn profiles of EUROSAC and CEPI Eurokraft. Consumers are invited to participate in the discussions, using the hashtag.

The “The Paper Bag” platform was founded in 2017 by the leading European kraft paper manufacturers and producers of paper bags. They dedicate themselves to promoting the advantages of paper packaging. “The Paper Bag” is steered by the organisations CEPI Eurokraft and EUROSAC.

CEPI Eurokraft is the European Association for Producers of Sack Kraft Paper for the Paper Sack Industry and Kraft Paper for the Packaging Industry. It has eleven member companies representing a volume of 3.0 million tonnes of paper produced in twelve countries.

EUROSAC is the European Federation of Multiwall Paper Sack Manufacturers. The federation represents over 75% of European paper sack manufacturers. Its members operate in 20 different countries. They produce more than 5 billion paper sacks per year, representing 650,000 tonnes of paper converted in 60 plants. Sack manufacturers from all continents and bag manufacturers also contribute to the federation as corresponding members, and more than 20 suppliers (paper, film, machine or glue manufacturers) are registered as associate members.

CEPI Eurokraft and EUROSAC announce European Paper Bag Day on Oct 18

09/25/2018 - 08:57

STOCKHOLM and PARIS , Sept. 25, 2018 (Press Release) -“The Paper Bag” platform, Europe’s leading kraft paper manufacturers’ and paper bags producers’ association, springs into action by launching the VERY FIRST European Paper Bag Day on 18 October 2018. The annual action day aims to raise awareness among consumers about paper carrier bags as sustainable and efficient packaging of the future that contributes to fighting environmental pollution. “The Paper Bag” is looking forward to the first event in 2018.

Paper carrier bags are strong and reliable shopping companions for all occasions. They carry almost anything up to 12 kg – whether food, fashion, luxury or decorative items and electronics. Due to the bags’ strength, the contents are optimally protected – and they can be reused several times. Paper bags also have convincing environmental benefits. They are made from renewable raw materials, are recyclable and biodegradable. “By celebrating the European Paper Bag Day, we want to highlight the benefits of paper bags and invite consumers to combine their packaging choices with a good conscience for the environment,” explains Elin Gordon, Secretary General of CEPI Eurokraft. “With our activities, we want to start a dialogue with consumers about paper packaging and give them revealing facts and create impulses for taking action to fight climate change and environmental pollution.”

Paper Bags foster a sustainable future

In Europe, the cellulose fibre that is used as raw material to produce paper bags is bio-based and drawn from sustainably managed European forest areas. Forests provide an important contribution to fighting climate change: The average annual sequestration of carbon in European forest biomass reaches 719 million tonnes of CO21. This offsets the total fossil CO2 emissions generated annually by a country like Germany2. The paper bags’ long fibres also make them a good source for recycling. On average, the fibres are reused 3.5 times in Europe3. Recycling paper means reducing emissions and is a further contribution to climate protection. Moreover, if a paper bag ends up in the environment or in sea by mistake, it degrades in a short period of time and does not harm any sea life. “In a world facing changing requirements due to globalisation, climate change and a scarcity of raw materials, a growing number of consumers engage in living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle,” says Gordon. “Using paper bags is an expression of this modern lifestyle that helps in fighting climate change and reducing plastic waste in our environment. With the European Paper Bag Day, we want to convince more people to act responsibly and use, reuse and recycle paper bags. Taking responsibility for the environment can be that simple.”

How to participate

All communications activities taking place around the action day will be communicated on the social media channels of the “The Paper Bag” under the hashtag #EuropeanPaperBagDay: on the Facebook fan page “Performance powered by nature” and the LinkedIn profiles of EUROSAC and CEPI Eurokraft. Consumers are invited to participate in the discussions, using the hashtag.

The “The Paper Bag” platform was founded in 2017 by the leading European kraft paper manufacturers and producers of paper bags. They dedicate themselves to promoting the advantages of paper packaging. “The Paper Bag” is steered by the organisations CEPI Eurokraft and EUROSAC.

CEPI Eurokraft is the European Association for Producers of Sack Kraft Paper for the Paper Sack Industry and Kraft Paper for the Packaging Industry. It has eleven member companies representing a volume of 3.0 million tonnes of paper produced in twelve countries.

EUROSAC is the European Federation of Multiwall Paper Sack Manufacturers. The federation represents over 75% of European paper sack manufacturers. Its members operate in 20 different countries. They produce more than 5 billion paper sacks per year, representing 650,000 tonnes of paper converted in 60 plants. Sack manufacturers from all continents and bag manufacturers also contribute to the federation as corresponding members, and more than 20 suppliers (paper, film, machine or glue manufacturers) are registered as associate members.

Read more

PARIS and STOCKHOLM, Sept. 13, 2018 (Press Release) -The carbon footprint of paper cement sacks is 2.5 times smaller than the carbon footprint of form-fill-seal (FFS) polyethylene cement sacks. This is the outcome of a comparative study by the Swedish research institute RISE on behalf of the European Paper Sack Research Group (ESG), a collaboration between CEPI Eurokraft and EUROSAC. It also concludes that the paper cement sack is more climate-friendly and energy efficient. An infographic captures the most important findings.

The study by RISE compared the life cycle inventories (LCI) of a typical European 25 kg cement paper sack with a typical European 25 kg FFS polyethylene cement sack. It focused on different environmental influences of both packaging solutions: overall carbon footprint and fossil energy consumption as indicators of climate change and other environmental parameters, namely emissions to air and to freshwater. The study was peer-reviewed by Intertek. Its key result concerning climate change – the most important challenge of our planet today – was that the paper sack is clearly the favourable option.

Better overall carbon footprint

With 71 g of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) emissions from cradle to gate, the carbon footprint of paper sacks is 2.5 times smaller than the footprint of plastic sacks which totals 192 CO2e. The higher amount of fossil CO2e from the plastic sack is comparable to the emissions of a laptop (with a power consumption of 25 W) running for nine hours . Also, when extending the boundaries to consider the end-of-life scenarios – whether landfill, incineration or recycling – the paper sack’s carbon footprint is smaller.

More efficient fossil energy consumption

Regarding the consumption of fossil energy in the production process, the study concludes that the paper sack is the more climate-friendly solution. The production of a cement plastic sack uses 4.72 MJ of fossil energy per sack as fuel input. This is approximately five times more as is consumed to produce a cement paper sack (0.97 MJ of fossil energy/sack). That means, you can produce almost five paper sacks with the same amount of fossil energy consumed to produce only one plastic sack. The study shows that the paper sack system uses more renewable energy sources (0.19 MJ of renewable energy/sack) to fulfil its production energy needs compared to the plastic sack (0 MJ of renewable energy/sack). In terms of fossil resources used as raw material within the sack, the paper sack uses even 18 times less fossil resources (0.18 MJ of fossil energy/sack) compared to the plastic sack (3.19 MJ of fossil energy/sack).

Mixed picture for other environmental parameters

When looking at the study results of other emissions to air and emissions to freshwater during the production process, a conclusion as to which of the two packaging choices is better for the environment cannot be drawn. Paper sacks and FFS polyethylene sacks have different emission profiles because they use different raw materials, processes and energy mixes and have different energy requirements. In some respects, the paper sack shows better results, in others it is the plastic sack. One example: Regarding the emissions into freshwater, the cement plastic sack emits more heavy metals whereas the cement paper sack emits more organic substances.

Continuous improvements in carbon footprint

The regularly conducted carbon footprint analysis by RISE of the value chain of an average European paper sack also shows a convincing outcome: alone between 2007 and 2015, the CO2e emissions have improved by 22%, exceeding one of the EU climate targets for 2020 five years prior to this date, namely that of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared with 1990.

CEPI Eurokraft is the European Association for Producers of Sack Kraft Paper for the Paper Sack Industry and Kraft Paper for the Packaging Industry. It has eleven member companies representing a volume of 3.0 million tonnes of paper produced in twelve countries. 

EUROSAC is the European Federation of Multiwall Paper Sack Manufacturers. The federation represents over 75% of European paper sack manufacturers. Its members operate in 20 different countries. They produce more than 5 billion paper sacks per year, representing 650,000 tonnes of paper converted in 60 plants. Sack manufacturers from all continents and bag manufacturers also contribute to the federation as corresponding members, and more than 20 suppliers (paper, film, machine or glue manufacturers) are registered as associate members.

Research institute RISE report suggests that paper sacks are more climate friendly and energy efficient than FFS polyethylene sacks

Posted in: Packaging Technology 09/13/2018 - 09:20

PARIS and STOCKHOLM, Sept. 13, 2018 (Press Release) -The carbon footprint of paper cement sacks is 2.5 times smaller than the carbon footprint of form-fill-seal (FFS) polyethylene cement sacks. This is the outcome of a comparative study by the Swedish research institute RISE on behalf of the European Paper Sack Research Group (ESG), a collaboration between CEPI Eurokraft and EUROSAC. It also concludes that the paper cement sack is more climate-friendly and energy efficient. An infographic captures the most important findings.

The study by RISE compared the life cycle inventories (LCI) of a typical European 25 kg cement paper sack with a typical European 25 kg FFS polyethylene cement sack. It focused on different environmental influences of both packaging solutions: overall carbon footprint and fossil energy consumption as indicators of climate change and other environmental parameters, namely emissions to air and to freshwater. The study was peer-reviewed by Intertek. Its key result concerning climate change – the most important challenge of our planet today – was that the paper sack is clearly the favourable option.

Better overall carbon footprint

With 71 g of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) emissions from cradle to gate, the carbon footprint of paper sacks is 2.5 times smaller than the footprint of plastic sacks which totals 192 CO2e. The higher amount of fossil CO2e from the plastic sack is comparable to the emissions of a laptop (with a power consumption of 25 W) running for nine hours . Also, when extending the boundaries to consider the end-of-life scenarios – whether landfill, incineration or recycling – the paper sack’s carbon footprint is smaller.

More efficient fossil energy consumption

Regarding the consumption of fossil energy in the production process, the study concludes that the paper sack is the more climate-friendly solution. The production of a cement plastic sack uses 4.72 MJ of fossil energy per sack as fuel input. This is approximately five times more as is consumed to produce a cement paper sack (0.97 MJ of fossil energy/sack). That means, you can produce almost five paper sacks with the same amount of fossil energy consumed to produce only one plastic sack. The study shows that the paper sack system uses more renewable energy sources (0.19 MJ of renewable energy/sack) to fulfil its production energy needs compared to the plastic sack (0 MJ of renewable energy/sack). In terms of fossil resources used as raw material within the sack, the paper sack uses even 18 times less fossil resources (0.18 MJ of fossil energy/sack) compared to the plastic sack (3.19 MJ of fossil energy/sack).

Mixed picture for other environmental parameters

When looking at the study results of other emissions to air and emissions to freshwater during the production process, a conclusion as to which of the two packaging choices is better for the environment cannot be drawn. Paper sacks and FFS polyethylene sacks have different emission profiles because they use different raw materials, processes and energy mixes and have different energy requirements. In some respects, the paper sack shows better results, in others it is the plastic sack. One example: Regarding the emissions into freshwater, the cement plastic sack emits more heavy metals whereas the cement paper sack emits more organic substances.

Continuous improvements in carbon footprint

The regularly conducted carbon footprint analysis by RISE of the value chain of an average European paper sack also shows a convincing outcome: alone between 2007 and 2015, the CO2e emissions have improved by 22%, exceeding one of the EU climate targets for 2020 five years prior to this date, namely that of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared with 1990.

CEPI Eurokraft is the European Association for Producers of Sack Kraft Paper for the Paper Sack Industry and Kraft Paper for the Packaging Industry. It has eleven member companies representing a volume of 3.0 million tonnes of paper produced in twelve countries. 

EUROSAC is the European Federation of Multiwall Paper Sack Manufacturers. The federation represents over 75% of European paper sack manufacturers. Its members operate in 20 different countries. They produce more than 5 billion paper sacks per year, representing 650,000 tonnes of paper converted in 60 plants. Sack manufacturers from all continents and bag manufacturers also contribute to the federation as corresponding members, and more than 20 suppliers (paper, film, machine or glue manufacturers) are registered as associate members.

Read more

PARIS and STOCKHOLM, Sept. 13, 2018 (Press Release) -The carbon footprint of paper cement sacks is 2.5 times smaller than the carbon footprint of form-fill-seal (FFS) polyethylene cement sacks. This is the outcome of a comparative study by the Swedish research institute RISE on behalf of the European Paper Sack Research Group (ESG), a collaboration between CEPI Eurokraft and EUROSAC. It also concludes that the paper cement sack is more climate-friendly and energy efficient. An infographic captures the most important findings.

The study by RISE compared the life cycle inventories (LCI) of a typical European 25 kg cement paper sack with a typical European 25 kg FFS polyethylene cement sack. It focused on different environmental influences of both packaging solutions: overall carbon footprint and fossil energy consumption as indicators of climate change and other environmental parameters, namely emissions to air and to freshwater. The study was peer-reviewed by Intertek. Its key result concerning climate change – the most important challenge of our planet today – was that the paper sack is clearly the favourable option.

Better overall carbon footprint

With 71 g of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) emissions from cradle to gate, the carbon footprint of paper sacks is 2.5 times smaller than the footprint of plastic sacks which totals 192 CO2e. The higher amount of fossil CO2e from the plastic sack is comparable to the emissions of a laptop (with a power consumption of 25 W) running for nine hours . Also, when extending the boundaries to consider the end-of-life scenarios – whether landfill, incineration or recycling – the paper sack’s carbon footprint is smaller.

More efficient fossil energy consumption

Regarding the consumption of fossil energy in the production process, the study concludes that the paper sack is the more climate-friendly solution. The production of a cement plastic sack uses 4.72 MJ of fossil energy per sack as fuel input. This is approximately five times more as is consumed to produce a cement paper sack (0.97 MJ of fossil energy/sack). That means, you can produce almost five paper sacks with the same amount of fossil energy consumed to produce only one plastic sack. The study shows that the paper sack system uses more renewable energy sources (0.19 MJ of renewable energy/sack) to fulfil its production energy needs compared to the plastic sack (0 MJ of renewable energy/sack). In terms of fossil resources used as raw material within the sack, the paper sack uses even 18 times less fossil resources (0.18 MJ of fossil energy/sack) compared to the plastic sack (3.19 MJ of fossil energy/sack).

Mixed picture for other environmental parameters

When looking at the study results of other emissions to air and emissions to freshwater during the production process, a conclusion as to which of the two packaging choices is better for the environment cannot be drawn. Paper sacks and FFS polyethylene sacks have different emission profiles because they use different raw materials, processes and energy mixes and have different energy requirements. In some respects, the paper sack shows better results, in others it is the plastic sack. One example: Regarding the emissions into freshwater, the cement plastic sack emits more heavy metals whereas the cement paper sack emits more organic substances.

Continuous improvements in carbon footprint

The regularly conducted carbon footprint analysis by RISE of the value chain of an average European paper sack also shows a convincing outcome: alone between 2007 and 2015, the CO2e emissions have improved by 22%, exceeding one of the EU climate targets for 2020 five years prior to this date, namely that of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared with 1990.

CEPI Eurokraft is the European Association for Producers of Sack Kraft Paper for the Paper Sack Industry and Kraft Paper for the Packaging Industry. It has eleven member companies representing a volume of 3.0 million tonnes of paper produced in twelve countries. 

EUROSAC is the European Federation of Multiwall Paper Sack Manufacturers. The federation represents over 75% of European paper sack manufacturers. Its members operate in 20 different countries. They produce more than 5 billion paper sacks per year, representing 650,000 tonnes of paper converted in 60 plants. Sack manufacturers from all continents and bag manufacturers also contribute to the federation as corresponding members, and more than 20 suppliers (paper, film, machine or glue manufacturers) are registered as associate members.

Research institute RISE report suggests that paper sacks are more climate friendly and energy efficient than FFS polyethylene sacks

09/13/2018 - 09:20

PARIS and STOCKHOLM, Sept. 13, 2018 (Press Release) -The carbon footprint of paper cement sacks is 2.5 times smaller than the carbon footprint of form-fill-seal (FFS) polyethylene cement sacks. This is the outcome of a comparative study by the Swedish research institute RISE on behalf of the European Paper Sack Research Group (ESG), a collaboration between CEPI Eurokraft and EUROSAC. It also concludes that the paper cement sack is more climate-friendly and energy efficient. An infographic captures the most important findings.

The study by RISE compared the life cycle inventories (LCI) of a typical European 25 kg cement paper sack with a typical European 25 kg FFS polyethylene cement sack. It focused on different environmental influences of both packaging solutions: overall carbon footprint and fossil energy consumption as indicators of climate change and other environmental parameters, namely emissions to air and to freshwater. The study was peer-reviewed by Intertek. Its key result concerning climate change – the most important challenge of our planet today – was that the paper sack is clearly the favourable option.

Better overall carbon footprint

With 71 g of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) emissions from cradle to gate, the carbon footprint of paper sacks is 2.5 times smaller than the footprint of plastic sacks which totals 192 CO2e. The higher amount of fossil CO2e from the plastic sack is comparable to the emissions of a laptop (with a power consumption of 25 W) running for nine hours . Also, when extending the boundaries to consider the end-of-life scenarios – whether landfill, incineration or recycling – the paper sack’s carbon footprint is smaller.

More efficient fossil energy consumption

Regarding the consumption of fossil energy in the production process, the study concludes that the paper sack is the more climate-friendly solution. The production of a cement plastic sack uses 4.72 MJ of fossil energy per sack as fuel input. This is approximately five times more as is consumed to produce a cement paper sack (0.97 MJ of fossil energy/sack). That means, you can produce almost five paper sacks with the same amount of fossil energy consumed to produce only one plastic sack. The study shows that the paper sack system uses more renewable energy sources (0.19 MJ of renewable energy/sack) to fulfil its production energy needs compared to the plastic sack (0 MJ of renewable energy/sack). In terms of fossil resources used as raw material within the sack, the paper sack uses even 18 times less fossil resources (0.18 MJ of fossil energy/sack) compared to the plastic sack (3.19 MJ of fossil energy/sack).

Mixed picture for other environmental parameters

When looking at the study results of other emissions to air and emissions to freshwater during the production process, a conclusion as to which of the two packaging choices is better for the environment cannot be drawn. Paper sacks and FFS polyethylene sacks have different emission profiles because they use different raw materials, processes and energy mixes and have different energy requirements. In some respects, the paper sack shows better results, in others it is the plastic sack. One example: Regarding the emissions into freshwater, the cement plastic sack emits more heavy metals whereas the cement paper sack emits more organic substances.

Continuous improvements in carbon footprint

The regularly conducted carbon footprint analysis by RISE of the value chain of an average European paper sack also shows a convincing outcome: alone between 2007 and 2015, the CO2e emissions have improved by 22%, exceeding one of the EU climate targets for 2020 five years prior to this date, namely that of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared with 1990.

CEPI Eurokraft is the European Association for Producers of Sack Kraft Paper for the Paper Sack Industry and Kraft Paper for the Packaging Industry. It has eleven member companies representing a volume of 3.0 million tonnes of paper produced in twelve countries. 

EUROSAC is the European Federation of Multiwall Paper Sack Manufacturers. The federation represents over 75% of European paper sack manufacturers. Its members operate in 20 different countries. They produce more than 5 billion paper sacks per year, representing 650,000 tonnes of paper converted in 60 plants. Sack manufacturers from all continents and bag manufacturers also contribute to the federation as corresponding members, and more than 20 suppliers (paper, film, machine or glue manufacturers) are registered as associate members.

Read more

BRUSSELS, Aug. 30, 2018 (Press Release) -The European Commission’s proposal on single use plastics products (SUPP), aims at addressing the marine pollution caused by the most littered plastics products. Yet an ill-defined product scope, open for interpretation, could consider any material using any sort of plastics layer or coating as plastics, whether the materials is in contact with food or for other functionalities.

During their first discussion on the SUPP proposal, members of the Environment committee of the European Parliament have expressed their perplexity regarding its definition and scope. The rapporteur Frédérique Ries stated that the Commission’s proposal is indeed too vague and open for interpretation.

Her colleague and shadow rapporteur Massimo Paolucci also questioned definitions and the lack of emphasis on recyclability. Mark Demesmaeker, also shadow rapporteur, even wondered whether cardboard boxes with plastic coatings should be also considered as plastic. Similarly the European Commission also admitted there is a grey area and that definitions should be improved.

Reacting to the debates, CEPI urges a clear and clean-cut definition to avoid other materials being inadvertently classified as plastics and an implementation chaos. “Leaving the text wide-open for interpretation with ill-thought definitions will lead to implementation chaos, not least for the SUP but also for the entire Packaging Waste Directive and products classification on the market” say Sylvain Lhôte, Director General of CEPI. The Directive is aimed at, and should therefore be focused on, the single-use plastics products most present in the marine environment.”

Paper packaging is not just recyclable but massively recycled, at a rate of 84.6% (Eurostat 2016), far and beyond any other material. It also does not show up amongst most littered application found on European beaches according the European Environment Agency surveys. There is no rational to mix-up the scope and cover other materials.

CEPI is the pan-European association representing the forest fibre and paper industry. Through its 18 national associations CEPI gathers 495 companies operating more than 900 pulp and paper mills across Europe producing paper, cardboard, pulp and other bio-based products. 84.6% of paper-based packaging is recycled in the EU and this level will further rise with the new packaging and packaging waste directive. Coated or not with plastics, paper-based packaging are recyclable and recycled.

CEPI calls for clear and clean cut definition of EC's proposal on single use plastic

08/31/2018 - 09:44

BRUSSELS, Aug. 30, 2018 (Press Release) -The European Commission’s proposal on single use plastics products (SUPP), aims at addressing the marine pollution caused by the most littered plastics products. Yet an ill-defined product scope, open for interpretation, could consider any material using any sort of plastics layer or coating as plastics, whether the materials is in contact with food or for other functionalities.

During their first discussion on the SUPP proposal, members of the Environment committee of the European Parliament have expressed their perplexity regarding its definition and scope. The rapporteur Frédérique Ries stated that the Commission’s proposal is indeed too vague and open for interpretation.

Her colleague and shadow rapporteur Massimo Paolucci also questioned definitions and the lack of emphasis on recyclability. Mark Demesmaeker, also shadow rapporteur, even wondered whether cardboard boxes with plastic coatings should be also considered as plastic. Similarly the European Commission also admitted there is a grey area and that definitions should be improved.

Reacting to the debates, CEPI urges a clear and clean-cut definition to avoid other materials being inadvertently classified as plastics and an implementation chaos. “Leaving the text wide-open for interpretation with ill-thought definitions will lead to implementation chaos, not least for the SUP but also for the entire Packaging Waste Directive and products classification on the market” say Sylvain Lhôte, Director General of CEPI. The Directive is aimed at, and should therefore be focused on, the single-use plastics products most present in the marine environment.”

Paper packaging is not just recyclable but massively recycled, at a rate of 84.6% (Eurostat 2016), far and beyond any other material. It also does not show up amongst most littered application found on European beaches according the European Environment Agency surveys. There is no rational to mix-up the scope and cover other materials.

CEPI is the pan-European association representing the forest fibre and paper industry. Through its 18 national associations CEPI gathers 495 companies operating more than 900 pulp and paper mills across Europe producing paper, cardboard, pulp and other bio-based products. 84.6% of paper-based packaging is recycled in the EU and this level will further rise with the new packaging and packaging waste directive. Coated or not with plastics, paper-based packaging are recyclable and recycled.

Read more

BRUSSELS, June 14, 2018 (Press Release) -“The European paper industry stands firmly committed to sustainably sourcing and efficiently using bioenergy in Europe and is encouraged that negotiators have equally recognised this in the informal REDII agreement" says Sylvain Lhôte, Director General of CEPI. "What is lacking however is that there are no robust safeguards against subsidies that encourage the burning of wood and thereby distort the raw material markets that feed Europe’s bioeconomy. We now urge Member States not to backtrack on their bioecomomy ambitions when designing their bioenergy policies for the next decade”.

CEPI issues statement on REDII agreement

Posted in: Bio-Insight 06/14/2018 - 06:03

BRUSSELS, June 14, 2018 (Press Release) -“The European paper industry stands firmly committed to sustainably sourcing and efficiently using bioenergy in Europe and is encouraged that negotiators have equally recognised this in the informal REDII agreement" says Sylvain Lhôte, Director General of CEPI. "What is lacking however is that there are no robust safeguards against subsidies that encourage the burning of wood and thereby distort the raw material markets that feed Europe’s bioeconomy. We now urge Member States not to backtrack on their bioecomomy ambitions when designing their bioenergy policies for the next decade”.

Read more

Pages

Copyright © 2020 RISI. All rights reserved.