It is clear that companies big and small are looking into packaging to promote sustainability.
Viipurilainen and Metsä Board’s package design team from Äänekoski Excellence Center got to work on developing a pack- age that is 100 per cent recyclable and resource effective. The outcome is a new package that cuts CO2 emissions by 34 per cent and reduces material requirements by 25 per cent. “We were also able to reduce the amount of plastic used, which was a big deal for us,” says Ylä-Hemmilä. The new packages were launched in January 2022. Even with relatively small bakery operations, the numbers add up over time. During the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, the bakery used about 20,000 packages a year. A little change goes a long way to making things more sustainable. “This year, we are placing extra emphasis on sustainability issues and want to keep developing on that front. We feel great about our collaboration with Metsä Board. It really makes a difference.” Chocolate lovers delight Kultasuklaa is another Finnish family enterprise with a strong focus on sustainable packaging. A maker of chocolates, Kulta- suklaa wanted to have less plastic in its packages. In talks with
Make it click But what is all the fuss about? The lid is made from fully recyclable dispersion coated barrier board, and it is suitable for use with both hot and cold beverages. It uses a novel technology developed by The Paper Lid Company that allows the paperboard to be formed into the desired shape, explains Salonoja. “The result is a one-piece lid that clicks firmly in place, offering performance that is on a level with a traditional plastic lid.” He points out that paperboard made from renewable fresh fibre is a great sustainable raw material – and something that both brands and consumers can feel good about. “By pooling our expertise with Metsä Board, we were able to innovate a new solution for the takeaway cup market.” Salonoja sees similar opportunities all around the food and beverage sector. “If the cost of making these types of packaging solutions remains moderate, we will see some radical changes in the industry.” When bakery goes green It is clear that companies big and small are looking into packaging to promote sustainability. Finnish bakery Viipurilainen Kotileipomo is a century-old family business with an eye for green solutions. Teppo Ylä-Hemmilä , Bread Artist & Head of Innovation, says that as the bakery started the search for a new packaging solution for their pastries and cakes, there were two key requirements. “We wanted to bring down the environmental footprint of our packages and also find a solution that takes time off the assembly of the package.”
A stylish package for pastries
Viipurilainen Kotileipomo’s pastry package comes in three sizes and two alter- native designs. One option has a small cellophane window, whereas the other is made completely of paperboard. The box is simple to use, consisting of just one foldable sheet of board which is thick and resistant to grease. The board is manu- factured without fluorochemicals and optical brighteners, which makes it suitable for direct food contact. The packages are biogradable and can be composted industrially or at home.
Teppo Yli-Hemmilä Bread Artist & Head of Innovation at family bakery Viipurilainen Kotileipomo, says that smaller players such as bakeries are keen on sustainable packaging, too.
Juri Kaskela Owner of chocolate-maker Kultasuklaa, says that chocolate poses challenges for packaging – but that Metsä Board found proper sustainable solutions.
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