Currently, much emphasis is placed on minimising the carbon footprint of packaging across the entire product lifecycle. Two major factors affect the carbon footprint of paperboard packaging: weight and the energy used during production.
A lower carbon footprint is enabled by
- Light weight: Fresh fibre paperboards are stronger than those made from recycled fibre. When fewer fibres are needed to manufacture packaging of the same strength, this results in a lower weight and carbon footprint.
- Fossil-free energy: Replacing fossil fuels with fossil-free energy sources cuts fossil-based greenhouse gas emissions. At Metsä Board, 89% of our total energy consumption is fossil-free, and we aim to reach 100% by the end of 2030. This means that the carbon footprint of our lightweight paperboards will continue to decrease during this timeframe.
The most important function of packaging is to ensure the safety of a product for consumers. Packaging protects products during transport, prolongs product life and conveys important information about the composition and use of the product. By effectively protecting a product inside a package, we can also help reduce waste, which also has a climate.
Making informed decisions
We provide life cycle assessments and carbon footprint calculations for our customers, helping them compare the climate impact of different paperboard grades and other packaging materials. Read more about our Sustainability Service.
