{"id":5589,"date":"2025-09-23T10:41:13","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T10:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cepi-eurokraft.org\/?p=5589"},"modified":"2025-09-23T10:41:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T10:41:23","slug":"press-release-from-forest-to-future-how-paper-carrier-bags-contribute-to-the-circular-bioeconomy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cepi-eurokraft.org\/?p=5589","title":{"rendered":"PRESS RELEASE: From forest to future: how paper carrier bags contribute to the circular bioeconomy"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”|auto|-11px|auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” ab_goal=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

\u201cSaving resources has a long tradition in our industry,\u201d says Elin Gordon, Secretary General of CEPI Eurokraft. \u201cThe concept of sustainability was introduced in the early 18th century in connection with the responsible use of wood as a resource. And this principle still defines how we operate today.\u201d The primary raw material for kraft paper is wood fibre, mostly sourced from sustainably managed European forests. In these forests, trees are selectively harvested, primarily removing dead, weak or misshapen ones to support healthy growth. This practice supports the objectives of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.cepi-eurokraft.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Bild1.png” title_text=”Bild1″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-7px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”9px” min_height=”83.4px” custom_margin=”-18px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

All parts of a tree are used.
<\/strong>Copyright: The Paper Bag<\/strong><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-37px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

FSC\u00ae and PEFC\u2122 certifications also ensure the traceability of the raw materials and confirm that they originate from responsibly managed, deforestation-free sources. Adding to that, the kraft paper industry relies on process waste from the timber industry such as wood chips and thinning wood \u2013 this way, no part of the tree is wasted[1]<\/span><\/a>. \u201dThis no-waste principle is continued throughout the production of kraft paper and paper carrier bags,\u201d explains Gordon. \u201cWherever possible, materials are utilised and recycled.\u201d One example is that internally generated biofuels, such as black liquor, are used in the mills\u2019 energy mix.<\/p>\n

Energy-efficient kraft paper production
<\/strong>Kraft paper production is highly energy-efficient. A large proportion of renewable energy sources is being used, while the reliance on fossil fuels is decreasing. According to a study by RISE[2]<\/span><\/a>, in 2021, biofuels accounted for 92% of all fuels consumed for kraft paper production, with 78% being generated in the mills during the production process. Additionally, the mills produced 59% of their own electricity requirements. Of the purchased grid electricity consumed by the mills in 2021, 29% was identified as \u201cgreen\u201d electricity.<\/p>\n

Recycling water in paper production
<\/strong>In addition to energy, water is used efficiently and responsibly in the papermaking process. Most pulp and paper mills are strategically located near abundant water sources. In Europe, the majority draw primarily from surface water \u2013 rivers and lakes account for 87% of their intake. Groundwater provides another 12%, while only 1% comes from public water supplies. Since the 1990s, the industry has reduced the average water intake per tonne of paper by approximately 40%. Modern paper mills treat and reuse process water multiple times before returning around 90% to its source in a clean state. The remaining 10% either evaporates, remains in the product or is retained in solid waste[3]<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.cepi-eurokraft.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/iStock-2161067467-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Bild2″ show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”74%” border_color_all=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”12px” header_font_size=”14px” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

Modern paper mills treat and reuse process water before returning it to its source in a clean state.\u00a0 <\/strong>Copyright: iStock<\/strong><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

Reusing production waste
<\/strong>Residuals from kraft paper production, such as pulp residues, are fed back into the production cycle. When it comes to conversion, the paper carrier bag converters order paper in the exact quantity and size required for each order. Any waste generated during machine set-up, as well as production residues, are carefully sorted by type and turned to recycling. Remaining inks and adhesives are stored and reused for future orders. \u201cThis contributes to a closed-loop manufacturing process that minimises landfill waste and supports material efficiency,\u201d states Gordon.<\/p>\n

Smart design: less is more
<\/strong>Paper carrier bags are designed to use only the amount of material needed to meet performance requirements. Their material efficiency has improved in the last two decades, with the strength of kraft paper having been optimised by 45%. The durability of high-quality paper carrier bags allows them to carry heavy loads with minimal material use. This aligns with the PPWR\u2019s emphasis on reducing unnecessary packaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Reusability and recyclability
<\/strong>Thanks to their strength, high-quality paper carrier bags can be reused several times. Reusing a bag as long as possible conserves natural resources that would otherwise be utilised in the production of a new bag. And when it is no longer suitable for reuse, paper carrier bags can easily be recycled through local waste streams. According to a study, paper-based packaging can be recycled more than 25 times<\/span>[4]<\/a>. The fibres can be repurposed into new paper products \u2013 from newspapers to corrugated packaging. \u201cIn our industry, sustainability is not a trend, but a tradition that evolves through innovation,\u201d concludes Gordon. \u201cWith paper carrier bags, we offer a future-proof packaging solution that comes from nature and gives back to nature \u2013 the perfect choice for retailers and brand owners who want to lead the shift to a circular bioeconomy.”\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.cepi-eurokraft.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/iStock-510570780-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Bild3″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”69%” custom_margin=”||-3px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”12px” header_font_size=”14px” width=”100%” min_height=”6.8px” custom_padding=”0px||8px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

High-quality paper carrier bags can be reused several times. <\/strong>Copyright: iStock<\/strong><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

\u201cSimple choice, big impact\u201d
<\/strong>The Paper Bag platform will celebrate the 8th European Paper Bag Day on 18 October 2025 under the theme \u201cSimple choice, big impact\u201d. Activities across Europe<\/span><\/strong><\/a> will highlight how choosing paper carrier bags as a sustainable packaging option can make a significant difference for the environment. Retailers, brand owners and consumers are invited to join the celebrations and share their activities on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn using the hashtag #EuropeanPaperBagDay<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[1]<\/span><\/a> Cepi, Key statistics 2023, July 2024<\/p>\n

[2]<\/span><\/a> RISE, The carbon footprint of kraft sack paper and kraft paper sacks 2021, July 2023<\/p>\n

[3]<\/span><\/a> Cepi, Key statistics 2023, July 2024<\/p>\n

[4]<\/span><\/a> Recyclability of Cartonboard and Carton, Rene Eckhart, Technische Universit\u00e4t Graz, Austria, 2021<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]\n

Download the press release<\/strong><\/p>\n

Press release English version<\/a><\/span>
Press release French version<\/a>
Press release German version<\/a>
<\/span>Press release Italian version<\/a><\/span>
Press release Spanish version<\/a><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"