SPECIAL SECTION: Paper chain

The rise of sustainability as a key criterion of packaging materials has led to increased interest in paper-based products. Paper offers an improved environmental performance compared with other materials.

At a time when consumer markets are being hit by the recession, cost savings are equally important to brand owners and their suppliers.

“In addition to its excellent environmental credentials, the strong points of paper are its stiffness and breathability,” says Sören Slotte, sales operations director of packaging papers for UPM-Kymmene Corporation. “Fresh fibre-based papers are also clean and can be used in direct contact with food. For reuse, disposal and for energy production, paper also has clear advantages.”

“While plastics has its own role in this industry – both materials are needed – there are several end uses where paper is by far the most suitable material,” says Heikki Hyvärinen, UPM’s sales operations director for label and postal papers.

“For example, 80-90% of the materials used in labelling are paper based,” he says. “Our label base and face materials have good quality and consistency, which means high efficiency in the converting process, optimal surface properties, even thickness and strength.”

UPM has some of the most efficient and competitive production facilities in the industry, and its expertise and technological sophistication make it a prominent presence in the market for fibre-based products. Its business model, products and life-cycle approach to its operations are based on an understanding of the need to manage the social and environmental impact of its raw materials and end products. Sustainability is in its DNA.

Heeding the message

In both packaging and labelling applications, more brand owners are starting to understand the potential benefits of using paper-based materials, either alone or in combination with other materials.

“In packaging, paper is used in various applications, from heavy corrugated boxes to lightweight small bags and laminates,” says Sören Slotte. ‘It is a userfriendly material. Reusability and disposal are becoming more important, and in this respect paper is excellent.”

In labelling, the total cost of paper-based labels – including raw material price, converting speed and waste management – is competitive for the whole converting chain compared with other substrates.

“Paper uses renewable, natural raw material, it has a low carbon footprint, is recyclable and biodegradable,” underlines Heikki Hyvärinen. “Paper is really an environmentally responsible choice.”

Yet paper-based products need not rely solely on their green credentials.

“It looks like functionality is the number one factor for our customers,” adds Sören Slotte. “Cost and environmental issues are second and third on the list of priorities.”

UPM is among those suppliers investing heavily to ensure that its performance, sustainability and cost continue to approach an optimal level.

“We are constantly searching for lightweight and tailor-made products for each end use in close co-operation with our customers. Our main target is to improve the efficiency of the whole converting chain,” says Sören Slotte.

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Email: paperinfo@upm-kymmene.com