Graphic Packaging Completes Acquisition of Spain-Based Norgraft Packaging, S.A.

Global packaging leader Smurfit Kappa has introduced innovative new trucks which have increased capacity and slashed CO₂ emissions by 20%. The vehicles, which have been pioneered at the Piteå Paper Mill in Sweden, can handle heavier loads, resulting in a 30% reduction in the number of trips annually. Smurfit Kappa, which has amassed a wealth of experience in supply chain optimisation through its SupplySmart service, examined how it could streamline the Piteå supply chain. A team of logistics and sustainability specialists used this industry-leading expertise to optimise the supply chain and make it more efficient and sustainable. Click Read More below for additional information.

There has been a surge in consumer demand for Bag-in-Box wines in the current year according to new data, partially caused by changing behaviours due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Research by packaging leader Smurfit Kappa in collaboration with Wine Intelligence found that Bag-in-Box wine attracted 3.7 million new consumers in France and the UK during the past six months. The survey analysed the behaviour of monthly wine drinkers in France and the UK, who have increasingly moved to drinking and entertaining at home due to the restrictions of the pandemic. France is the biggest market for Bag-in-Box wine and the UK is currently one of the fastest growing. Consumers noted freedom of consumption, ease of transport and value for money as the main motivations when purchasing Bag-in-Box wines. Other benefits of Bag-in-Box wine include its ability to preserve wine for up to 6-8 weeks after opening compared to 2-3 days in a glass bottle, and its lower carbon footprint.

Metsä Group announces its plans for a significant investment program in its tissue paper business in the Mänttä mill to develop the sustainability of the operations and to modernize and extend the lifecycle of the mill. The investment plans are part of its tissue paper business’ Future mill strategy program aiming at world-class efficiency and environmental performance in tissue production. The planned program amounts to approximately EUR 100 million euros and the related investments are to be carried out over the period of next five years. The company aims to develop the mill’s production and environmental efficiency by investing in paper machine and converting line modernizations as well as improving the energy and water efficiency. Their aim is long term continuation of the efficient local manufacturing operations in Mänttä and they support the company’s target of all products and manufacturing sites to be fully fossil free by 2030. The investments will be communicated when the planning proceeds.