International Paper Emphasizes Blend of New and Recycled Fibers

International Paper, a global leader in sustainable packaging, delves into the importance of integrating new and recycled fibers in creating environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The company stresses the significance of both recycled fibers and virgin fibers sourced from sustainably managed forests in fostering a circular economy. Containerboard producers currently utilize about 56% recycled fiber in their production processes.

Recent studies reveal that fibers can be recycled up to 25 times without compromising strength properties significantly. Over the years, industry recovery rates have shown improvement, increasing from 72% to 90% between 2006 and 2020. Furthermore, the proportion of containerboard made from 100% recycled fiber has risen from 22.3% to 31.8%. This combination of new and recycled fibers optimizes reuse potential and facilitates true circularity in the wood fiber value chain.

The debate within the fiber-based packaging industry centers around the sustainability of virgin fiber versus 100% recycled fiber. While the latter seems more environmentally friendly at first glance, a sustainable fiber system comprises a balance of recycled and new fibers. New fibers sourced from responsibly managed forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity preservation, complementing the emissions reduction achieved through recycled fiber usage.

The circular journey of a corrugated box begins in the forest and concludes with the efficient collection and recovery of this valuable natural resource. The fiber-based packaging cycle aligns naturally with the circular economic model, but there is constant room for enhancing residual loss, resource efficiency, and aiming for a closed-loop resource cycle to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and prevent pollution.

International Paper advocates for a blend of new and recycled fibers for long-term sustainability. Studies demonstrate that fibers can be recycled multiple times without significant strength degradation, underscoring the value of a mixed fiber approach. While recycled fibers have limitations in terms of reusability, incorporating new fibers into the system prolongs the useful lifespan of packaging materials.

Businesses labeling products as 100% recycled fiber often source their recycled materials from new kraft manufacturers and integrated companies like International Paper. Collaboration within the packaging supply chain necessitates the input of new fiber to support sustainable practices. The integration of digital tools and data infrastructure has enhanced the recovery process, contributing to overall improvements in the circularity of the box lifecycle since 2008.

From 2006 to 2020, industry-wide recovery rates surged from 72% to 90%, reducing landfill emissions and decreasing the need for extraneous new fiber production. Simultaneously, the percentage of containerboard made from 100% recycled fiber increased from 22.3% to 31.8%. The strategic introduction of fresh fiber into the system aids in carbon removal, while recycled fiber usage helps prevent CO2 and methane emissions from landfills.

By combining new and recycled fibers, the industry maximizes fiber reuse and enables true circularity in the wood fiber value chain. Investing in sustainable forest management and recycling infrastructure is crucial in achieving this circularity. International Paper’s commitment to sustainable packaging underscores the importance of balancing new and recycled fibers for a greener future.