The anatomy of a package
PAPERBOARD TAKES ON PLASTIC
The most important function of packaging is to preserve the product inside it from damage or contamination of any kind. But how do you achieve this with a minimal carbon footprint?
“WHEN COMPARING END-OF-LIFE IMPACTS, BOTH PET PLASTIC AND PAPERBOARD CONTAIN CARBON, WHICH FORMS CARBON DIOXIDE DURING INCINERATION. THE KEY DIFFERENCE: PAPERBOARD’S EMISSIONS ARE BALANCED BY CARBON DIOXIDE ABSORBED FROM THE ATMOSPHERE DURING TREE GROWTH, WHILE FOSSIL-BASED PLASTICS ADD NEW CARBON TO THE ATMOSPHERE.”
CHOOSING METSÄ BOARD’S lightweight paperboard can support brand owners’ climate-related objectives. Metsä Board’s latest third-party verified carbon footprint case study compared dispersion coated paperboard tray with trays made from fossil- based PET and recycled rPET plastics. In addition to fossil carbon emissions, the study included both biogenic carbon sequestration and biogenic carbon emissions and was verified by independent reviewers from RISE and SimaPro UK.
16
LARI OKSALA, SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER AT METSÄ BOARD
Three key factors making the difference between plastic and paperboard packaging in carbon footprints
Biogenic vs fossil carbon
Fossil or non- fossil energy
Recycling rates
2
1
3
NORDIC FRESH FIBRE paperboard production uses mainly renewable and fossil-free energy. These energy sources are not usually available for plastics to the same extent.
RECYCLING RATES for paperboard packaging are generally higher than for plastic packaging. Recycling delays the release of carbon into the atmosphere.
BOTH PLASTIC AND PAPERBOARD release carbon when incinerated at the end of their life cycles. However, paperboard’s emissions are balanced by the carbon absorbed during tree growth, while fossil plastic adds new carbon to the atmosphere.
BOARD MAGAZINE
Powered by FlippingBook