Smurfit Westrock showcases innovation expertise at WorldStar 2025

“Eco-design is a business approach that requires investments and time in the long term,” explains the president of Solarenn, Christophe Rousse. A joint effort from three actors of the fruit and vegetable sector -the Solarenn cooperative, DS Smith as global supplier of sustainable packaging and ETpack mechanizer - has helped optimize tomato packaging throughout the supply chain. The common goal? Moving to more sustainable solutions and eliminating single-use plastic. They have therefore developed a 100% cardboard packaging which is eco-designed and innovative, allowing maximum flexibility and visibility of the product. The joint design was initiated in September 2020. This commitment fits the expectations of the French consumers, who are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their consumption and who are now questioning the food industry . For the past 2 years, there is indeed strong consumer’s pressure to eliminate single-use plastic. In 2021, Solarenn will have 7 different trays on the market that are 100% cardboard with zero-plastic.

With the packaging industry preparing to meet EU recyclability targets, the demand for innovative and sustainable solutions is growing fast. In a recent co-creation project with SN Maschinenbau GmbH, a leading manufacturer of horizontal pouch-packaging machines, UPM Specialty Papers tested a range of heat-sealable barrier papers on SN Maschinenbau’s packaging machines. The goal was to create a recyclable, renewable, fibre-based pouch ideal for dry, frozen, and greasy foods. The sample will be displayed at Interpack 2023. As a world-leading manufacturer of packaging machinery, SN Maschinenbau seeks to deliver the best pouch packaging technology to its customers. In the light of current trends, this includes the capability to produce and process the recyclable and renewable packaging materials that customers are looking for. Working closely with partners, SN Maschinenbau is searching for new types of materials that, at best, can be seamlessly integrated into existing pouch packaging machinery.

We are excited to announce that our groundbreaking food packaging solution has been selected for the Cepi Bioeconomy Lab – an exhibition dedicated to showcase bio-based products that represent the future of sustainable, climate-friendly alternatives. The event gathers Europe’s most forward-thinking innovations, driving the transition to a circular bioeconomy. As the demand for convenience and ready-to-eat food increases, so does the need for environmentally responsible packaging. Our wood pulp-based trays, Nature by Rottneros, is sourced from sustainably managed Nordic forests, and offers a cutting-edge solution to reducing plastic in food packaging. With a barrier layer comprising less than 10% of the packaging’s total weight, we meet essential requirements while aligning with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Consumers can easily separate the fiber tray from the barrier liner, ensuring proper recycling.