Stora Enso, along with other members of CEPI, the European association representing the forest fibre and paper industry, have joined hands with companies across the value chain in an initiative called 4evergreen, to drive the recycling of fibre-based packaging and collaboration in circular design and materials to move towards circular economy.

The initiative - 4evergreen - aims to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy that minimises climate and environmental impact. In addition, the goals are to increase awareness about innovation in fibre-based packaging materials and recycling, set guidelines for product design enabling circularity and secondary use of fibres, and support the development of optimised collection systems as well as critical recycling infrastructures and technologies adapted to fibre-based packaging.

The alliance brings together the whole value chain. In addition to Stora Enso, members include Nestlé, Danone, Huhtamäki, SIG Combibloc, Seda, Elopak, Tetra Pak, AR Packaging and Mars.

“This is a critical step to strengthen circular bioeconomy in Europe, and to boost the role of fibre-based packaging solutions in the market,” says Karl-Henrik Sundström, CEO of Stora Enso. “Plastic litter is a global problem that cannot be tackled without climate smart, renewable and recyclable solutions. Joining forces with companies across the value chain can bring about a real, transformative change.”

According to Eurostat, fibre-based packaging is already recycled in Europe at the rate of 84.6 per cent and the volume of recycled fibre-based packaging alone equals that of all other recycled packaging materials together. The industry is looking to advance and bring to market new innovative products using recycled fibres through initiatives like 4evergreen.