Monadnock Paper Mills combines hemp and recycled fiber in portfolio extension

29 Sep 2020 --- Monadnock Paper Mills is expanding its alternative fiber packaging solutions with the Monadnock Hemp Envi Performance Board.

Monadnock developed the “tree-free” bright white board with a continued focus on both performance and sustainability.

The recyclable Hemp Envi Performance Board is crafted in the US, Forest Stewardship Council Certified (FSC C018866), and composed of 30 percent hemp fiber and 70 percent post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled fiber.

“Hemp is an exceptionally strong agricultural fiber that has been used in papermaking for centuries, so who better than our 200-year old company to reimagine its use for the needs of 21st-century brands,” says Julie Brannen, director, sustainability solutions, Monadnock.

Premium positioning
Hemp Envi is the latest addition to Monadnock’s Envi Performance Board portfolio, as an alternative to commodity boards with a premium positioning, the company flags. 

Available uncoated, single (C1S) or two-side (C2S) coated, Hemp Envi is designed to meet the sustainability and performance needs for a wide range of lifestyle and luxury packaging applications.

The applications include cosmetics; fragrances; wine and spirits; fashion accessories; health and wellness; jewelry and watches; tech and entertainment; nutraceuticals; CBD and cannabis.Hemp is a robust agricultural fiber used in papermaking for centuries.

In addition, Hemp Envi is engineered to deliver high print fidelity, ideal folding characteristics with full ink coverage, and provides an excellent stage for embossing and foil-stamping.

The 18 pt. board is available in 28X40 sheets for delivery. Custom calipers and weights are also made available.

Nature’s packaging solutions
In the space of bio-based packaging, hemp is making significant strides in line with the industry-wide sustainability drive. 

In relevant developments, GreenTek Packaging has rolled out a “first-in-kind” hemp-based disposable utensils line, Hemptensils. 

Also in this arena, Hansen Packaging specializes in bio-composite resins and jars made from renewable resources, including hemp.

In other bio-based developments, Impact Snacks’ ambition to package its superfood snack bars in 100 percent biodegradable and compostable soy-based wrapping prompted 285 backers to pledge nearly US$33,000 in funding.

Meanwhile, innovators at Woodly developed a new type of plastic derived from softwood cellulose that mimics the functionalities of conventional fossil-based plastics, with 2021 roll out targets.

With ambitions to establish a circular packaging economy, upcycled olive stone waste from Aimplas and sheep wool-based packaging from Woola are also seeing market potential.

Edited by Benjamin Ferrer