Packaging manufacturer Iggesund goes fossil-free

The Swedish-based paper company, which supplies secondary packaging for cosmetics and personal care, claims to have reduced its emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels by 65 per cent.

The reduction corresponds to the company’s flagship Invercote product line – which is a range of bleached board designed for the type of highly graphical packaging used in a range of consumer goods - at the Iggesund Bruk facility.

Building on a sustainable track record​

“Even before the move our business operation were already highly robust and sustainable,”​ said Guy Mallinson, business director sales, at Iggesund.

“Almost 95 per cent of Iggesund’s current energy consumption is from biofuels and we only have one more investment step left before our vision – a paperboard mill totally free of fossil CO2 – will be a reality.”​

Throughout 2009 the company has been investing in its biofuel capabilities, converting old fossil fuel equipment to a new biofuel-fed system, which is a naturally-derived fuel source with far lower emissions than fossil fuel.

In recent years the emphasis on fossil fuels and the damage to the environment caused by both their emissions and refinement has become a major concern for many environmental groups, concern that has been fed down to consumers, government and ultimately manufacturers.

Environmentalists put pressure on packaging companies​

Many manufacturers in the packaging sector have turned towards more sustainable packaging materials and manufacturing processes, because they are often a target for environmentalists due to the significant amount of materials used in the manufacturing process.

However, Iggesund says that intense focus from the media on carbon dioxide emissions has not been the only motivational force for the company to convert from fossil fuels.

“We can’t respond in a short-term, erratic way, like public opinion sometimes does. In accordance with our long-term approach to the environment, we evaluate environmental aspects when making every investment decision​."