Olov Winblad von Walter appointed VP, Husum Board and Pulp Mill at Metsä Board

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from the Turkish Albayrak Group to deliver a new stock preparation line with a design capacity of 1,000 bdmt/d for its Varaka paper mill in Balikesir, Western Turkey. ANDRITZ will also supply the main components in the approach flow systems for the top layer of PM 2. Start-up is scheduled for summer 2018. Varaka will reinstall and rebuild the PM 2, which currently is a second-hand newsprint paper machine, into a modern brown packaging paper machine. After full conversion, the PM2 will have an annual production capacity of over 300,000 tons, with a design speed of 1,200 m/min and a paper width at reel of 6,500 mm. The machine will produce corrugating medium, imitation kraft papers, and white top testliner with a basis weight range of 90-175 gsm for the production of containerboard. The raw material is OCC and mixed waste paper for the new line, and stock from the existing DIP line for the top layer of white top testliner grades. Click Read More below for additional information.

Packaging is often the first physical touchpoint a customer has with a brand and product - the form, function, and branding of the packaging can be very influential on a purchasing decision. However, packaging has a massive sustainability problem that can’t be ignored. Today the world produces 400 million tons of plastic waste annually, 36% of which is from packaging and 85% of which ends up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Rethinking how we package products can improve the sustainability and circularity of these materials, address health concerns like microplastics and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria along the way, and even provide an improved business case. With that in mind, let’s dive into four trends and innovations in sustainable packaging that will define the future of the category. 1. Reducing and recycling plastic packaging 2. Making strides with mono-materials 3. Biodegradable and repurposable packaging 4. Antimicrobial awareness and innovation

According to the LOHAS2020 study, a growing number of consumers are considering the consequences of their consumption behaviour. Up to two out of three Finnish consumers would like to have more information on which packaging would be the best choice for both the environment and the shelf life of the product. “This was the third LOHAS consumer survey to address packaging issues extensively. Compared to previous studies conducted in 2011 and 2014, a lifestyle that supports both personal health and sustainable development has become an increasingly important factor in driving consumer behaviour. The coronavirus pandemic has probably further increased consumers' understanding of the core benefits of packaging,” says Virpi Korhonen from Sense N Insight.