{"id":5703,"date":"2026-10-15T14:11:40","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T14:11:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cepi-eurokraft.org\/?p=5703"},"modified":"2026-10-15T14:15:56","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T14:15:56","slug":"pressrelease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cepi-eurokraft.org\/?p=5703","title":{"rendered":"PRESSRELEASE – Carbon footprint of paper carrier bags quantified for the first time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][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″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_padding=”5px|||||”]

Carbon footprint of paper carrier bags quantified for the first time<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Karlstad, 6 October 2026: For the first time, new data quantifies the carbon footprint of paper carrier bags in Europe. Commissioned by The Paper Bag platform and conducted by RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, the study finds a cradle-to-gate fossil carbon footprint of 16.6 to 82.9 g CO\u2082e per bag, based on three typical bag types and applications. The findings provide retailers and brand owners with a credible basis for informed packaging decisions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cReliable carbon footprint data is becoming increasingly important,\u201d says Jan Lif, Secretary General of CEPI Eurokraft. \u201cIt helps businesses understand where emissions occur across their supply chains. With this study, we are creating greater transparency and establishing a baseline to measure our industry\u2019s progress over time.\u201d The study assessed the cradle-to-gate fossil carbon footprint of machine-glazed (MG) and machine-finished (MF) kraft paper used to manufacture paper carrier bags, as well as the bags themselves. Cradle-to-gate covers emissions from raw material extraction through production up to the factory gate. The results reflect the market and technology situation in 2024.<\/p>\n

Three typical bag types examined<\/strong><\/p>\n

Three typical kraft paper bag types were examined: a small takeaway bag without handles (20 g), a medium shopping bag with twisted handles (55 g) and a large shopping bag with flat handles (100 g). Paper carrier bags are primarily made from virgin-fibre kraft paper supplied by members of CEPI Eurokraft. Bags with a high recycled content are available but were not included in the study. The fossil carbon footprints calculated for the three bags are 16.6 g CO\u2082e, 45.6 g CO\u2082e and 82.9 g CO\u2082e respectively.<\/p>\n

Putting the numbers into perspective<\/strong><\/p>\n

To make these figures more tangible, they can be compared with an everyday mobility equivalent. Based on 2024 emissions data from the German Environment Agency (UBA), the footprints correspond to approximately 100 metres, 280 metres and 500 metres of average passenger car travel for the small, medium and large paper carrier bags respectively [1].<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Paper production is the main contributor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Paper production is by far the largest contributor, accounting for around 67% of the cradle-to-gate fossil carbon footprint. The remaining footprint mainly comes from non-fibre inputs such as glues and inks, electricity used at converting plants and the transport of paper to converting sites. \u201cBeyond their carbon footprint, paper carrier bags are made from a renewable, bio-based material and can be recycled, which keeps valuable paper fibres in circulation,\u201d says Lif. \u201cChoosing and using packaging responsibly can contribute to positive change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Detailed information about the research have been summarized in a fact sheet<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cCarry the change\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Paper Bag platform will celebrate the ninth European Paper Bag Day on 18 October 2026 under the motto \u201cCarry the change\u201d. Activities across Europe<\/a> will raise awareness of paper carrier bags and paper sacks, highlight the environmental characteristics of paper packaging <\/strong>and encourage informed and responsible packaging choices. 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

For further information, please visit thepaperbag.org<\/a>, or contact us by email: info@thepaperbag.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Paper Bag <\/em><\/strong>\u201cThe Paper Bag\u201d platform was founded in 2017 by the leading European kraft paper manufacturers and producers of paper bags. They dedicate themselves to promoting the advantages of paper packaging. \u201cThe Paper Bag\u201d is steered by the organisations CEPI Eurokraft and EUROSAC. <\/em>thepaperbag.org<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

CEPI Eurokraft<\/em><\/strong> is the European Association for Producers of Sack Kraft Paper for the Paper Sack Industry and Kraft Paper for the Packaging Industry. It has ten member companies representing a volume of three million tonnes of paper produced in 11 countries. <\/em>cepi-eurokraft.org<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

EUROSAC <\/em><\/strong>is the European Federation of Multiwall Paper Sack Manufacturers. The federation represents over 80% of European paper sack manufacturers. Its members operate in 20 different countries. They produce some five billion paper sacks per year, representing 630,000 tonnes of paper converted in 55 plants. Sack manufacturers from all continents and bag manufacturers also contribute to the federation as corresponding members, and more than 30 suppliers (paper, film, machine or glue manufacturers) are registered as associate members. <\/em>eurosac.org<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

[1]<\/span><\/a> German Environment Agency (UBA), Comparison of average emissions from different modes of passenger transport, reference year 2024; TREMOD 6.71B (10\/2025).<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.cepi-eurokraft.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/New-Secretary-General-announcement-CEPI-Eurokraft-March-2026.pdf” button_text=”Press release: Carbon footprint of paper carrier bags quantified for the first time” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#4da81c” button_border_width=”4px” button_font=”Cairo||||||||” button_icon=”||fa||900″ button_icon_placement=”left” button_on_hover=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"