Weekly Roundup: WestRock study confirms pizza box recyclability, Sirane’s Earthfilm packs hemp-based frozen lollies

17 Jul 2020 --- In packaging news this week, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) published industry guidance confirming the recyclability of pizza boxes, after a WestRock study revealed that grease and cheese in pizza boxes do not negatively impact recycling streams. Also, Swiss retailer Konoi became the first customer to pack frozen ice-cream desserts in Sirane’s plastic-free, recyclable flow-wrap Earthfilm solution, and Procter & Gamble (P&G) set its sights on carbon neutrality across its global operations in this decade.

In brief: Sustainability action
AF&PA released industry guidance that aims to “clear up consumer confusion regarding the recyclability of pizza boxes” in the US. The guidance resulted from a study conducted by WestRock – an AF&PA member company – that found the presence of grease and cheese at levels typically found on pizza boxes does not negatively impact manufacturing. In a recent membership-wide survey, AF&PA members representing 93.6 percent of the total amount of corrugated containers consumed by member companies said they accept corrugated pizza boxes for recycling. “Corrugated pizza boxes are successfully recycled every day at paper mills throughout the country, yet consumers remain confused by mixed messages suggesting that some boxes should not be put in the recycle bin,” explains Heidi Brock, AF&PA President and CEO. “So, let’s be clear: pizza boxes are recyclable. Consumers should not be concerned about grease or cheese – simply remove any leftover pizza and place the box in the recycle bin. We encourage communities to update their residential recycling program guidelines to explicitly accept pizza boxes that are free of food.”Smurfit Kappa's state-of-the-art solar panel system in its Colombian Forestry operation.

Smurfit Kappa unveiled a new, state-of-the-art solar panel system in its Colombian Forestry operation. The Solar One photovoltaic system, which was developed with renewable energy provider Celsia, will generate 50 percent of the energy needs of the nursery and the entomology and plant pathology laboratories. The 168 panels that comprise the system will generate an estimated 78,000 kWh/year, reducing CO2 emissions by 29.7 metric tons annually. The new system has been installed in an optimum location in the forestry nursery to maximize exposure to the hours of sunshine available.

P&G committed to achieving carbon-neutral global operations for the decade through a series of interventions that “protect, improve and restore nature.” Recognizing that the next decade represents a critical window for the world to accelerate progress on climate change, P&G will go beyond its existing Science Based Target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by additionally advancing a portfolio of natural climate solutions. These efforts will deliver a carbon benefit that balances any remaining emissions over the next 10 years, allowing P&G operations to be carbon neutral for the decade. Based on current estimates, the Company will need to balance ~30 million metric tons of carbon from 2020-2030.Konoi's hemp-based frozen lollies packed in Sirane's plastic-free Earthfilm.

In brief: Pack launches
Sirane secured the first customer to use its plastic-free Earthfilm to pack frozen ice-cream desserts. Geneva-based retailer Konoi will use the material for its range of vegan hemp-based frozen ice-cream desserts in lolly format. The products are packed by hand, with the Earthfilm used as a sleeve. The Earthpouch/Earthfilm solution is ideal for a range of dry and moist products including granolas, seeds and snacks, confectionery, porridge oats, grains, health/diet supplements, pet foods and chocolate.

Mauser Packaging Solutions expanded its offering of environmentally-friendly packaging with the UN-rated, tight-head container made from 100 percent post-consumer resin (PCR). The PCR tight-head container features recycled resin that is produced in-house at Mauser. Empty industrial packaging that would otherwise be sent to a landfill is collected, sorted, washed and repelletized. This unique closed-loop material stream ensures a consistent, high-quality supply of PCR that gives plastic materials new life, reduces industrial waste, and boasts a smaller carbon footprint.Mauser Packaging Solutions' 100% PCR tight-head container.

In brief: Business Developments
The BillerudKorsnäs Board of Directors appointed Christoph Michalski as new President and CEO of the company. He succeeds Lennart Holm, who has been acting President and CEO since November 2019. Michalski will assume his new position on November 1, 2020. Since 2015, Michalski has been the CEO and Executive Director of Vinda International, a leading Asian producer of high-quality tissue and hygiene products, publicly listed on the Hongkong stock exchange.

Viridor announced that its investment in crucial UK recycling and energy recovery infrastructure is set to continue at pace with the support of KKR, a leading global investment firm, following the successful completion of KKR’s £4.2 billion (US$5.3 billion) acquisition of the business. Phil Piddington, who has been Viridor’s Managing Director since 2016, assumes the role of CEO. He explained that KKR recognized the strategic value of Viridor’s UK recycling and residual waste management platform and growth opportunities linked to a significant UK capacity gap in recycling/reprocessing infrastructure and energy recovery technology.

By Joshua Poole