Carton packaging has exemplary credentials in terms of sustainability: the industry pioneered the recycling revolution, and is aligned to current climate change policies. 

Carton is also one of the best examples of a sustainable economic model: using primarily renewable resources, it is made of sustainably managed virgin and recycled fibres, and the used raw materials are widely recovered and reused, thus leading to limited waste.

If there were no packaging, food and other goods would be lost due to handling damage, lack of hygiene and insufficient information on product use. Using folding cartons to package goods has many environmental advantages.  

Carton packaging: a partner in sustainable consumption
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their consumption, which is to a certain extent reflected in their purchasing patterns. Using renewable source materials and recycling are both key to reducing our environmental impact. 

The sector currently uses, depending on the application, an appropriate 40-60 balance between virgin and recycled carton grades. Over 60% of all primary energy used in the manufacture of European paper and board is biomass based, with the wood by-products providing renewable energy in the form of electricity and steam for the manufacturing process.

You can read the papers here.

Downloads: 

• Effectiveness of the Essential Requirements for PPWD_draft report
• Summary of proposed Essential Requirements for PPWD - May 2020
• Briefing on recent European Commission workshops focusing on updates to the 'Packaging & Packaging Waste Directive' and the 'Essential Requirements'