Environment

REMSHALDEN, Germany , Jan. 14, 2021 (Press Release) -Blue Box Partners, the pan-European Alliance of suppliers for corrugated board packaging solutions, has launched ECOGRIP, a corrugated alternative to shrink wrap for the multi-packing of a wide range of bottles that builds on the growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging.

100% recyclable corrugate

Sustainable alternative to single-use plastic

Complete solution for bottle multi-packs

Research has shown retailers and consumers are wanting more sustainable packaging solutions when they make purchasing decisions. Moreover, the EU’s single-use plastic (SUP) Directive, which came into force on 3rd July 2019, aims to reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. This has caused large brands and manufacturers to re-evaluate their packaging strategies and seek out alternatives.

ECOGRIP is designed to replace single-use shrink-wrap plastic for bottles between 330ml and 1.5 litres, providing a recyclable and biodegradable corrugate solution for multi-packs. Adaptable to the many different bottle styles on the market regardless of diameter, it provides brands, retailers and consumers with a sustainable multi-packing solution for four, six or eight bottles.

The ergonomic design makes it easy to transport, handle and store and the corrugated board can be customised through a variety of print technologies for maximum brand and on-shelf impact.

“Every business is now focused on sustainability,” said Armin Höttges, managing director at Blue Box Partners. “While we continue to see improvements in recycling rates for many packaging products, secondary packaging such as shrink-wrap falls into the category of single-use plastic which can create issues if not disposed of responsibly.

This has resulted in considerable pressure from governments, environmental groups and consumers - all of whom are demanding packaging which is more sustainable and the launch of ECOGRIP now delivers a solution for brands that want an effective multi-packing option.”

Blue Box Partners is the alliance of VPK Group, Klingele Paper and Packaging Group, Hinojosa and Cart-One, who together offer expertise and collective intelligence, delivering local solutions across Europe. Working with brands to develop packaging solutions that not only solve their current issues around single-use plastic, but also provide sustainable packaging solutions for the long term, the launch of ECOGRIP is the perfect example of the partnership.

Available through all Blue Box Partners members and with both manual and automated packing options, ECOGRIP provides consumers, retailers and brand owners with a complete solution for the sustainable multi-packing of bottles.

KLAIPEDA, Lithuania, Jan. 7, 2021 (Press Release) -One year after the incident, when incompletely treated wastewater flowed into the Curonian Lagoon, AB Grigeo Klaipėda consistently continues the changes so that similar stories would not happen again. According to Tomas Eikinas, General Manager of the company, the facts that came to light on 7 January 2020 became the biggest lesson that Grigeo Klaipėda is determined to turn into fundamental changes that will allow the company to take the path of sustainability and contribute to solving problems that are relevant to the community of Klaipėda. It is for this purpose that at the end of last year, the company’s plan for renewal was presented, it covers the main areas of activity, the implementation of which the company will continue purposefully this year as well.

AB Grigeo Klaipėda has assumed responsibility for its activities from the very beginning and will continue to assume it, therefore, in order to determine the fact and extent of environmental damage the Company engaged international experts from TIG Environmental, who conducted a month-long expert study last year and presented their findings.

“The priority of the company is to find out the impact on nature and restore the original state of the environment as soon as possible, therefore we have initiated a study conducted by foreign experts. According to the calculations and the findings of foreign experts, the area of the Curonian Lagoon affected by the wastewater of AB Grigeo Klaipėda must have been limited, and neither the fish nor zooplankton has been affected,” says T. Eikinas.

As soon as Grigeo Klaipėda received the findings of independent foreign experts, the company forwarded them to the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Klaipėda District Prosecutor’s Office.

“Because we are not environmental experts, we do not have the expertise to evaluate this information. It was therefore forwarded to the responsible authorities in the hope that they would be able to continue the steps necessary for the investigation. We also continue to cooperate and maintain dialogue, provide all available information so that the investigation can be completed as soon as possible,” assures the head of AB Grigeo Klaipėda.

Last year, AB Grigeo Klaipėda also thoroughly reviewed its operational and management processes, and carried out a number of audits, which helped to correct weak points and move towards sustainability. For example the global quality assurance and risk management organization DNV GL, after an additional audit at AB Grigeo Klaipėda, has decided to return to the company the certification ISO 14001 certifying the compliance with the environmental standards, which was suspended on January 2020.

The recovery of this certificate is crucial for the company not only to achieve the set goals, but also to regain the trust of the public and its customers. “This is proof that not only have we learned from mistakes made in the past, but we have also made significant changes so that similar incidents would not happen in the company again. It is important for us not only to have this certificate, but also to base our activities on the requirements that it sets. Therefore, we are strengthening the team of AB Grigeo Klaipėda executives accordingly, as well as preparing and intending to implement a new sustainability strategy that will help achieve the set goals,” says T. Eikinas.

An audit was carried out by DNV GL, which established that AB Grigeo Klaipėda currently has a valid IPPC permit and a valid agreement with AB Klaipėdos Vanduo for the treatment of industrial wastewater, and therefore complies with legal requirements. The audit also assessed the effectiveness of the managerial analysis and internal audit processes, updates to the management system, control over the use of certification marks and certification references, and the objectives set by the company. This certificate is a recognition of the company’s maturity, reflecting its approach to sustainability, the environment, and social responsibility.

AB Grigeo Klaipėda also faced the challenges of wastewater treatment. These chalenges also affected the residents of Klaipėda city. As the factory’s wastewater treatment facilities in Dumpiai are still seized, at this time the wastewater from AB Grigeo Klaipėda is taken care of by AB Klaipėdos Vanduo.  Their capacity is not technologically adapted for the treatment of company’s wastewater, therefore AB Grigeo Klaipėda has repeatedly had to suspend its operations. Also, when AB Grigeo Klaipėda was looking for solutions to reduce wastewater pollution, stronger unpleasant odor was felt near the factory in Klaipėda.

“Therefore, we have started to implement advanced technological solutions. Also, at the end of last year, we prepared and started to implement a construction technical project, on the basis of which the construction of wastewater networks was commenced. These networks will allow partial wastewater treatment at Dumpiai. This project would stabilize the loads of the AB Klaipėda Vanduo wastewater treatment plant and help to solve the problem of odors that got stronger in the suroundings of the AB Grigeo Klaipėda factory,” explains T. Eikinas.

The second of the three construction phases is currently underway. The construction solutions of wastewater networks, provided for in the technical project, are currently being installed are coordinated with all responsible institutions, and the construction permit was issued by the Administration of Klaipėda Region Municipality. Upon completion of the works, a wastewater transportation route would be built, connecting Dumpiai treatment plant with Wastewater Treatment Plant of AB Klaipėdos Vanduo. The treatment facilities at Dumpiai will start operating only after they have been approved by the relevant authorities.

“In carrying out this project, we strictly adhere to all the established conditions and requirements, and we inform the Klaipėda District Prosecutor’s Office about the work of each phase. However, in order for the facilities at Dumpiai could become fully operational, the company will also have to take care of the legalization of activities in the Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Permit and conclude a long-term wastewater management agreement with AB Klaipėdos Vanduo. Prohibitions imposed by law enforcement authorities on the use of existing treatment facilities must also be lifted. As this issue is relevant not only to AB Grigeo Klaipėda, but also to the community of the entire city, we very much hope for an objective approach of the responsible institutions to the entire situation,” says T. Eikinas.

2020 was indeed a year of change for AB Grigeo Klaipėda, accompanied by a wide range of works. The company has been audited by the international company AFRY, covering the areas of environment, occupational safety and health, and business processes. Following the audit, findings were formed and 48 recommendations were made, most of which have already been implemented, and the implementation of the rest are being completed. The company also reviewed and approved the new corporate governance structure, created the position of sustainability manager, and hired a competent sustainability manager The new management will be responsible for implementing the developed sustainability strategy. Aid in the amount of 0.5 million euros has been allocated to Klaipėda University for the development of environmental pollution solutions in the Klaipėda region and for the training of environmental specialists.

As the company was addressing the problem of odors in 2020, the odor detection program prepared by Buckman was launched in 2006 and the AirBorn system was introduced to neutralize not only the odors that are generated but also their causes. Together an odor monitoring system has been installed as well, consisting of an electric nose for measuring odours in the ambient air of the plant with a hydrometeorological data station. Finally, throughout the year, AB Grigeo Klaipėda regularly disinfected part of the pools to reduce microbiology and the odors of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, and 30,000 tons of compost were removed from Dumpiai.

DE PERE, WI, Jan. 11, 2021 (Press Release) -This edition of Sustana Fiber’s ‘Conversations with Green Champions’ is with long-time customer Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. which recently introduced two sustainable premium packaging products: Envi PC 100 Performance Board with 100% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled fiber, and Hemp Envi Performance Board with 30% hemp fiber and 70% PCW.

Lisa Berghaus, Director of Marketing Communications; Julie Brannen, Director, Sustainability Solutions; and Al Bobst, Director, New Business Development – Monadnock’s Killer B’s – talk about the growing buzz around these tree-free products. The focus is on product development, performance and marketing in a niche where sustainability is top of mind. This continuing series explores environmental responsibility with a range of sustainability-minded organizations.

Monadnock Paper Mills, founded in 1819

Oldest continuously operating paper mill in the United States, in Bennington, NH, manufactures fine printing papers, technical/specialty papers, and the Envi Portfolio of sustainable paper and packaging solutions.

Envi products are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified (FSC C018866) and manufactured carbon neutral, and they use 100% renewable Green-e certified wind powered electricity, all under a third-party certified ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.

Over 100,000 copies of Monadnock’s Field Guide to Eco-Friendly, Efficient and Effective Print have been distributed worldwide, helping brands, marketers, printers and design students create more sustainable print and packaging projects.

What market trends led you to develop Envi PC 100 Performance Board?

Environmentally and socially-responsible brands want to achieve higher levels of authenticity and sustainability in their packaging. This is the only coated premium 100% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled board now on the market – we’ve filled a packaging gap for cosmetics, jewelry, fragrances, spirits, nutraceuticals, CBD and cannabis. It is also available uncoated in smooth and vellum finishes.

Companies increasingly have strict environmental impact reduction goals, which can in part be achieved with our products. They’re seeking sustainable packaging made in an environmentally sound way and they want renewable alternatives to plastics. An objective of our environmental management system is to increase the usage of recycled and alternative fibers. It is good for our customers and good for us as we continue to develop our sustainable product portfolio.

How are customers reacting?

We can’t make it fast enough! Envi PC 100 Performance Board is meeting the moment. The days of shipping container loads of packaging waste are coming to an end, awareness of the global impact of waste is extremely high — creating an urgent call for renewable, recycled and recyclable materials. Younger generations are making purchasing decisions based on how companies behave and what is in their products. Add in all the new legislation prohibiting single use plastics and the end result is this incredible interest in green products and the desire to keep plastics out of the environment.

Was product development an extended process?

Since we have been making PCW recycled fiber products for over 20 years, development of the board line went pretty quickly. Back in October of 2019 we launched our Astrolite PC 100 Velvet coated text and cover grades, which was a real breakthrough because it was the only coated high performance 100% PCW paper out there. So we really benefited from all we learned during that experience.

The market has generally seen coated 100% PCW board as lacking in print and converting quality. But Envi PC 100 has the internal and surface characteristics to keep from cracking on the score and fold lines, which is so important in premium packaging.

What are the drivers for Hemp Envi Performance Board with 30% hemp fiber and 70% PCW?

The fast-growing cannabis and CBD product market has created tremendous interest in hemp fiber and that is the main driver. Brands are also using Hemp Envi (coated and uncoated) for the packaging of many sustainable lifestyle and luxury products.

The other driver is consumer product brands want to look at alternative fibers like plant-based fibers and agricultural waste fibers for more sustainable solutions. More people are reaching out to Monadnock for our unique Envi PC 100 products, reflecting the broad desire for more sustainable materials.

We are no strangers to this. Monadnock already uses alternative fibers like cotton (Cotton Envi Performance Board) and shredded coffee-bean bags (Kona Envi Performance Board).

Is Hemp Envi unique?

Yes. Very much so — the amount of hemp at 30% and PCW fiber at 70% is one thing, and the coated version of this fiber blend is the only one of its kind in the market. It’s an exciting place to be.

Do your new tree-free products match the print and converting performance of conventional premium products?

Yes, both Envi PC 100 and Hemp Envi Performance Boards are drop-in replacements for products containing virgin fiber. Monadnock has a long history of blending and refining a broad range of fiber types to satisfy a breadth of end-use product specifications.

To help packaging producers get the best possible performance, through rigorous product testing we developed scoring and folding guidelines. From a printing and converting standpoint, every packaging job using our new products has matched up against those using virgin fiber.

Like all Monadnock products, they are engineered for their intended use.

How does your eco-calculator support your new green products?

It shows customers how Monadnock products with PCW recycled content reduce six major environmental impacts — electricity, carbon emissions, trees, water, waste, and offsets from mill thermal energy. We recently upgraded the calculator to create high-resolution printable savings certificates. The eco-calculator has been in place for years, and the algorithms are derived from the Environmental Paper Network.

Bigger brands are incorporating our eco-calculator information into their CSR (corporate social responsibility) reports and websites, because it demonstrates the power of their informed decision to specify PCW papers. Switching from virgin wood fiber products to those like Envi PC 100 results in significant environmental benefits.

How did Sustana Fiber contribute to these new products?

Historically, our board products have been predominantly uncoated, with less than 100% PCW content. Sustana showed us that their EnviroBright recycled fiber has the strength characteristics required to manufacture a premium 100% PCW performance board, both uncoated and coated. Unlike other lower grade PCW fiber sources, there is no compromise in performance with EnviroBright.  Monadnock has a great partnership with Sustana, going back to the 1980s.

How does Sustana’s recycled fiber perform in your mill?

If you envision a pyramid, Sustana’s 100% PCW recycled fiber is at the top in terms of cleanliness, brightness and strength. EnviroBright’s mix of recycled PCW hardwood and softwood fiber makes for the superior printing and converting performance that premium packaging demands.

What is your new closed-loop service with Sustana Fiber?

This is about businesses taking a holistic view of their products and collaborating with supply chain partners to streamline and close the loop on the product packaging life cycle.

Monadnock picks up waste and trimmings from its customers’ printers, converters and binderies and ships it back to Sustana, where it is re-pulped and used in the next round of 100% recycled products. This closes the loop. Our program has been running for about a year for a few customers and very sustainable brands. They want to know what happens with their waste and asked for this program. We plan to expand the program and offer the service to more customers in 2021.

Do you see Monadnock Paper Mills as a green champion?

We hope everyone does, because this mill can do what most of the industry sees as undoable.

If you work at Monadnock, making sustainable products everyone’s responsibility – how you view your job and how the job is done.  This culture starts with the all-in commitment of our Chairman and CEO, Richard Verney, a conservationist who is active in every aspect of the business.

Now we have the only coated 100% PCW recycled premium packaging product, and as much as we’d like to own this market, we hope others follow. The whole idea is to cooperatively push toward a truly sustainable economy.