Paper Packaging

As an e-commerce business, packaging is a key component of the customer journey. Ridestore’s mantra is to always exceed the customer’s expectation, and so this led to a collaboration with Billerud on a sustainability mission. Considering the inconsistent availability of plastic recycling in Ridestore’s markets, removing plastics sent to the customer was the goal, as well as to reduce the overall packaging material. Could this be achieved while also reducing emissions and improving the unboxing experience?

In September, 19 companies submitted 22 solution proposals to Moelven Wood's packaging challenge - to find a more sustainable packaging for their wooden interior panels.

Out of these, Ahlstrom, Billerud, Boxon, Lignin Industries, and T-Emballage were selected to work on the challenge during MoelvenHackathon. The innovation competition was arranged by the forestry bioeconomy cluster Paper Province and held in Karlstad, Sweden, on December 11 and 12.

Billerud was the winner

Paper-based packaging alternatives employ innovative technologies to deliver the right barrier, shelf-life, and machine performance to meet brand and product needs. Consumers often seek paper-based packaging to deliver a more sustainable end-of-life, due to widespread curbside paper collection and recycling. And on the shelf, paper-based solutions meet consumers’ preferences for a natural look and feel.

Import of paper and paperboard continues unabated. After a 25 per cent jump in FY23 in volume terms, paper imports have further risen by 43 per cent in the first half of FY24, according to DGCI&S data.

The surge in imports is mainly due to a 257 per cent growth in import of paper and paperboard from the ASEAN region at zero import duty under a free trade agreement.

In H1 FY24, import of paper and paperboard increased to 9.59 lakh tonnes from 6.72 lakh tonnes in H1 FY23. Imports from ASEAN grew from 81,000 tonnes in H1 FY23 to 2.88 lakh tonnes in H1 FY24.

Bans on EPS packaging have gained tremendous momentum recently, particularly in the European Union and the wider Caribbean region. Legislation banning the use of EPS packaging has also been introduced in Fiji, the Philipines, and regions in the United States, just to name a few.

Boxes are a commonplace and classic representation of celebration and giving. They are a flexible option for gift packing and presentation on various occasions because they are available in various sizes, shapes, and designs.

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has created Protector Bag ExpandForm, a paperbag solution with an expandable feature to safely rollpack mattresses.

Protector Bag ExpandForm replaces the current plastic packaging with a flexible and recyclable alternative. The solution is also customisable and can expand to different sizes while holding the mattress securely. The packaging is made with Mondi’s kraft paper, which is responsibly sourced and renewable, and can be recycled contributing to a circular economy.