In a perfect world, every scrap of recyclable material would find its way to the proper bin. But there's an obvious flaw in the system. Even packaging that is recyclable is ending up in nature. By selecting packaging from renewable materials that nature can digest, we can all make a difference.

Challenge accepted and delivered

BillerudKorsnäs knows that a portion of recyclable packaging will unfortunately end up in nature. Which is why the company is glad that its packaging can be digested by nature. It's packaging that is truly sustainable.

The raw material consists of high quality primary fibres, which means it can be recycled many times. It also means that on the off chance it doesn't make it to the recycling bin, it can be broken down into usable soil that can grow new raw materials.

By popular demand

The grim details surrounding global pollution are becoming more and more well known. And as a result, when people learn about sustainable alternatives, they expect to have them as an option. They want less plastic and they want to feel like they are part of the solution.

Real sustainability

BillerudKorsnäs' packaging is both recyclable and compostable. While it's intended to be recycled, in the event that it doesn’t make it to the recycling bin, the materials can be broken down into usable soil.

It's the only truly sustainable way to address the litter problem. And it's no longer a challenge, it's today's reality.

PEFC report overview

A recent Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) survey revealed that over half of the 2,289 people surveyed (some 57%) said they preferred their grocery and food packaging in paper-based material, while some 31% expressed no preference and just 8% preferred plastic containers.

The consumers surveyed were also asked how likely they were to purchase a product from a retailer using paper-based containers as opposed to plastic containers.

Some 46% said they were more likely to purchase an item if the packaging was paper-based, compared to 47% who said it would make no difference.

Life after the retail shelf

Packaging plays an essential role in today's consumer market. Unfortunately, it's often the first thing thrown away. However, we can help reduce packaging's impact on the environment and contribute to a sustainable future by using four key types of materials:

1. Renewable

Renewable essentially means that the raw material can replenish itself naturally over time. Forests that are well managed and sustainable produce renewable materials while ensuring regeneration, conservation and social values.

In other words, wood harvested from responsibly managed forests will supply the society with raw material for generations to come. Responsible management is ensured by legislation combined with FSC and PEFC certification.

2. Recyclable

Paper can only be called "recycled" if 100% of the material used to make the paper has served its purpose in some other capacity. Otherwise it’s considered "recycled content".

Paper made with high quality raw materials, like BillerudKorsnäs' primary fibres, is easier to recycle and can be recycled several times over.

3. Compostable

When something is compostable it has the ability to break down naturally to become usable soil within a short period of time.

It's an official term that is regulated and has measurable standards such as how fast it disintegrates, whether it's toxic and the finished biological makeup. International compostable standards include: D6400, D6868, EN13432.

4. Biodegradable

Biodegradable refers to anything that continuously breaks down into smaller pieces until microorganisms can consume it. Unlike compostable products, it's not a regulated term. There is no guarantee that products labelled "biodegradable" live up to the same standards as compostable products.