Are local sources always better? At what pace are commercial forests being harvested? This spotlight feature, courtesy of Holmen Iggesund, covers some of the most frequently asked questions about paperboard packaging. I’m giving my opinion on some.
Paper-based materials are part of our daily lives. We encounter paper in books, letters, packaging and many sanitary uses. We live in a digital world, and digital channels are rapidly increasing their share of messaging, yet we cannot go into our homes or offices and understand the importance of paper.
Holmen Iggesund manufactures paperboard for packaging. The race to abandon fossil-based materials is increasing the demand for paperboard packaging. Sustainably managed forests are important to Holmen Iggesund, as wood harvested from forests is the main raw material for paper and board.
Holmen Iggesund’s Sustainability Director Johan Granås wants to expand his horizons on some of the most frequently asked questions.
Is recycled paperboard climate-friendly?
Recycling of all paper products is very important to maximize the use of wood raw materials. Unfortunately, most recycled paper is made using fossil energy. However, because fresh fiberboard is primarily made using bioenergy, it has a much lower climate impact.
Are Sweden’s forests being rapidly deforested?
But they are growing at an even faster pace. To move to a renewable society, we need to cut down timber. But we need to protect reforestation and care for forest ecosystems. This ensures that future generations can continue to use forest resources as they used to: Sweden now has twice as much forest as she did 100 years ago.
Do you cut down trees to make paperboard?
Larger trees are felled for building timber for homes, furniture and patios. Making paperboard products from leftovers.
Are local sources always better?
All other things being equal, sourcing locally is better because it reduces emissions from transportation. However, when it comes to packaging, transport is hardly a major contributor to climate impact. Instead, you should check the specific emissions from the products you are purchasing. In most cases, low-impact products sourced from far away are better than locally sourced high-emissions products. Significant savings are possible despite the longer shipping times in most cases.
Should all packaging be made from recycled paperboard?
For some products it makes sense to use recycled materials, while for others where strength, purity or consistency of quality are more important, using fresh fibers makes more sense. Consider all requirements and include the entire value chain when choosing materials.
