Paperboard vs plastic

When evaluating packaging materials through the lens of sustainability, paperboard offers a clear and well-supported path forward. It’s made from renewable wood fibres, designed for recyclability, and performs strongly in terms of climate impact.

According to the Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL), switching to paperboard can reduce fossil carbon emissions by 75% to 99%, depending on the application. Even in the most favourable conditions for fossil-based materials, paperboard still emits 2.5 times less fossil carbon. In the worst case, plastic packaging generates 95 times more emissions.

Paperboard also compares favourably to metal. The fossil energy required to produce one metal can of food could instead produce ten paperboard packages, with significantly lower CO₂ emissions.

For companies working toward net-zero targets, paperboard offers a measurable and meaningful advantage. As a sustainable packaging material, it supports climate goals without compromising on quality or functionality.

Built on fresh fibre and forest care

The strength of paperboard begins with its source. Made entirely from fresh wood fibres, our paperboard products are rooted in sustainably managed forests. For every tree harvested, more are planted, ensuring long-term forest health and a renewable supply of raw material.

The production process is designed to use the whole tree efficiently. Large stems become timber for construction, while smaller wood parts are used to make paperboard, maximising value and minimising waste.

Fresh fibre also plays a vital role in the recycling system. While recycled paperboard is important, fibres degrade over time. Without a steady input of fresh fibre, recycled paperboard wouldn’t exist. According to PEFC, nearly 40 per cent of fresh fibre is needed in every recycling cycle to keep the system functioning.

Designed for performance and sustainability

Sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on performance. Paperboard is engineered to deliver both.

Its multi-layered structure provides high stiffness, allowing goods to be protected with less material. It’s lightweight, strong, and easy to work with in packaging production, qualities that make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from premium consumer goods to food and pharmaceuticals.

Compared to glass, paperboard is lighter and less brittle. Compared to plastic, it’s biogenic (made entirely from wood), non-toxic, and biodegradable — even in seawater. These properties make it especially valuable in applications where safety and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Paperboard isn’t just a sustainable choice, it’s a smart one for packaging that needs to perform, protect, and reflect a brand’s values.

A smarter choice

Choosing paperboard means choosing a material that’s:

  • Rooted in renewability: sourced from sustainably managed forests
  • Designed for circularity: recyclable, biodegradable, and part of a regenerative system
  • Low in climate impact: significantly reduced fossil carbon emissions
  • Safe and versatile: non-toxic, food-safe, and suitable across industries
  • Efficient to produce and transport: lightweight, strong, and easy to work with
  • Aligned with sustainability goals: supports net-zero strategies and responsible sourcing