Metsä Board: the advantages of fresh fibre paperboards

Reducing Carbon Footprint with optimised material choice and expertise. Christophe Baudry, Sales Director Brand Owners EMEA at Metsä Board, looks at the beauty of lightweight paperboard packaging

In today’s environmentally conscious market, understanding and mitigating the carbon footprint of beautycare packaging has become a critical priority for brand owners. Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable products, and regulatory bodies are imposing stricter environmental guidelines. Accurately calculating the carbon footprint of packaging not only ensures compliance but also enhances brand reputation and meets consumer expectations, whilst helping brand owners make fact-based material choices.

Key factors influencing packaging's carbon footprint

The carbon footprint of packaging is determined by several interrelated factors. First of all tha material Selection while the type of material used significantly impacts the overall carbon emissions.
The energy consumption in production follows as far as the amount and source of energy required during the manufacturing process play a crucial role. The more fossil-free energy is used in the manufacturing process and value chain the lower is the carbon footprint.
Packaging weight and design plays also a major role. Heavier packaging requires more resources and energy to produce and transport, leading to higher emissions. Optimising design for material efficiency can mitigate this impact.
Moreover, transportation and distribution have a significant impact. The weight of packaging, the distance, and the mode of transportation will affect the carbon footprint.
Finally, the end-of-life disposal has an impact over recyclability and biodegradability of packaging materials, influencing the environmental impact post-consumer use. Materials that are easily recyclable or compostable reduce the long-term carbon footprint.

Reducing Carbon Footprint with the Material Choice

The two main factors affecting packaging’s carbon footprint are the energy type used in the material’s production and the weight of the packaging itself.
Metsä Board’s mills currently operate with 89% fossil free energy. This significantly lowers the fossil CO2 emissions associated with manufacturing paperboards and allows to offer packaging solutions that can make it easier for beautycare brands to meet their ambitious CO2 reduction targets.
The weight of packaging can have a direct and significant impact on reducing a packaging’s carbon footprint throughout its entire lifecycle. That means paperboards made of fresh fibre have a distinct advantage over recycled fibre boards because they enable our experts to design lighter packaging for our customers.
Metsä Board’s fresh fibre lightweight paperboards are designed to maintain strength and durability while using less material, directly decreasing emissions associated with production and transportation.

Fresh fibre vs recycled: a common misconception. Misconceptions about fresh fibre versus recycled materials persist. Consumers asked to choose between a package made from recycled fibres and one made from fresh fibre might instinctively pick the recycled option due to its perceived environmental benefits. The perspective often changes when you explain that fresh fibre paperboards are lighter, require less material, generate less waste and can be produced with a high percentage of fossil-free energy. In addition, fresh fibre paperboards are recyclable, and the circular economy requires a steady supply of fresh fibre into the fibre recycling loop for recycled materials to maintain their viability.
The traceability of raw materials used to produce the board is also essential. With recycled paperboard, it’s often impossible to know where the wood fibre originates, which means it can be from unknown or unsustainable sources. In contrast, our fresh fibre paperboards are fully traceable. This level of transparency makes our paperboards ideal for beauty care brands striving to meet their sustainability goals.

Certified sustainability and ad hoc services. An independent third party has verified our carbon assessments which show that switching to our paperboards, compared to grades representative in the European market, can reduce the carbon footprint of beauty care packaging by up to 50%. This substantial reduction is achieved through a combination of sustainable raw material sourcing, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and optimised packaging design.
Understanding the complexities of carbon footprint calculations can be challenging. To support our customers, Metsä Board provides a suite of sustainability services for its customers. Our experts offer detailed assessments and actionable insights, helping brand owners make informed decisions about packaging materials and design. By partnering with Metsä Board, you can access accurate data and tailored strategies to achieve your sustainability goals.

Packaging design services complement the offering. At Metsä Board’s Excellence Centre, we can help brands design packaging that is not only lighter and uses less material but also more efficient in both its structure and production. Our packaging design services can assist our customers to find optimal solutions that can have a positive effect on the carbon footprint of their packaging without compromising on quality or protection.

In summary

Metsä Board’s premium paperboards provide a high visual impact and pleasant tactile qualities. Their clean white appearance, bluish-white shade, smoothness, and excellent printability enhance luxurious packaging designs and unique features that appeal to the senses. Therefore, incorporating sustainable practices into packaging does not mean a compromise in terms of beauty or luxury. Their use allows brands to not only address environmental concerns but also align with consumer demand.
By choosing Metsä Board's paperboard solutions and leveraging our sustainability services, beauty care brands can reduce their carbon footprint and enhance their market position. It’s a story we want to share with them- and their consumers.