Paper with a Sustainable Twist

Paper with a Sustainable Twist

At this month’s Packaging Innovations event, paper maker’s Favini showcased their latest range of papers, which explore a new dimension in sustainable production. Crush paper has been 18 months in development, but the process has now been refined in order to produce sustainable papers in a range of subtle colours.

Organic Residues in Paper

Favini’s focus has been on lowering the environmental impact of paper production, through both raw materials and the process. They have successfully incorporated a selection of organic residues, primarily fruit and nut waste into the pulp, which comes from both recycled and virgin sources.

Hazelnuts, coffee, olives, corn and lavender are just some of the materials been successfully blended in order to create the Crush papers. The organic elements are all waste products from food production processes and would otherwise be heading for landfill. By using them in paper production, the volume of waste to landfill is reduced, along with the pressure on forest resources.

Another advantage of using these organic products is that they provide a natural colour. From pre-historic times, humans have used the natural pigments found in soil, plants and berries to provide colour. Cave walls, fabrics and papers have been decorated with the colours of nature’s palette and this continues the story of natural dyes.

Powered by a hydroelectric plant, Favini’s low impact process ensures that the paper has an even, high quality finish and the natural dyes produce a subtle range of colour options.

Carbon Emissions of Paper

Using the principles and requirements of ISO/TS 14067 as the criteria, the full contribution to greenhouse gas emissions in the entire life cycle of one tonne of Crush paper has been calculated as 1.730kg. This is 20% lower than equivalent paper products. The company have also committed to off-setting this with investment in a reforestation project in Uganda.

Aylesbury Box Company is actively working to minimise our environmental impact and we love to read about inspirational companies like Favini who have put sustainability at the heart of ever business decision. We’re looking forward to seeing lavender products packaged in lavender Crush paper and hazelnuts in hazelnut Crush paper.