European paper sacks reduce carbon footprint by 9% between 2021 and 2024
CB Paper Sacks Ltd is uniquely located in Northern Ireland to support customers in Ireland, UK and Continental Europe. We are renowned in the market for agility, flexibility, and exceptional service level – we can do what other suppliers cannot at our production facility in Bangor, Northern Ireland, (short runs, stock holding & Call-off).
As the only sack producer on the island of Ireland we have a footprint for 2m finished goods to ensure rapid response during peak seasonal demand. Our strong blue chip portfolio of satisfied customers includes: Lakeland Dairies, Dairygold, Muller, Mars and several others.
The European paper sack industry is making measurable progress in reducing its environmental impact. A recent study has revealed a notable improvement in climate efficiency, with the carbon footprint per paper sack decreasing by 9% between 2021 and 2024. This milestone highlights the sector’s ongoing commitment to decarbonisation and more sustainable production practices.
A Clear Reduction in Emissions
The findings show that emissions per paper sack dropped from 106.7 g CO₂e in 2021 to 97.3 g CO₂e in 2024. This reduction reflects a broader effort across the value chain, particularly in the production of sack kraft paper—the material responsible for most emissions. In fact, around 60% of the total carbon footprint of a paper sack comes from the production of this paper. Encouragingly, emissions from sack kraft paper manufacturing also declined, falling by 5% per tonne over the same period.
These results demonstrate how targeted improvements at key stages of production can deliver meaningful environmental gains.
Renewable Energy as a Key Driver
One of the most significant factors behind this progress is the increased use of renewable and low-carbon energy.
Paper mills and production facilities have shifted their energy mix considerably:
In 2024, 54% of electricity used in sack kraft paper production came from renewable or low-carbon sources—up from 29% in 2021
Biofuels now account for 85% of on-site fuel use
Many mills generate over half of their own electricity needs
Converting plants have also made substantial strides. Emissions from purchased grid electricity fell by 44% between 2021 and 2024, with 41% of electricity consumption now coming from renewable or low-carbon sources.
Together, these changes underline the critical role of energy transition in reducing industrial emissions.
A Low-Carbon Packaging Solution
The study reinforces the position of paper sacks as a low-carbon packaging option with a steadily improving environmental profile. Continuous data collection and analysis—carried out across the industry for nearly two decades—have enabled consistent progress and transparency.
This data-driven approach not only supports internal improvements but also helps customers better understand and report their own supply chain emissions.
Advancing Towards a Circular Economy
Beyond emissions reduction, the industry is also focused on circularity. Paper sacks are widely recyclable, and initiatives aimed at improving collection and recycling rates are gaining momentum.
Projects such as “Paper Sacks Go Circular,” now expanded into broader collaborative efforts, are helping to ensure that materials remain in use for as long as possible—reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable packaging lifecycle.
Continuous Improvement Through Better Data
It’s worth noting that the latest assessment incorporates updated methodologies aligned with current scientific standards. While this means comparisons with earlier studies are limited, it also ensures greater accuracy and relevance in measuring environmental performance.
Supporting materials, including detailed fact sheets and summary reports, provide further insight into the methodology and findings, reinforcing transparency across the industry.
Looking Ahead
The progress made between 2021 and 2024 is a strong indicator of what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a clear commitment to sustainability. While challenges remain, the direction is clear: lower emissions, smarter energy use, and a stronger focus on circular solutions. As the industry continues to refine its path toward net zero, paper sacks are proving that practical, scalable packaging solutions can also be environmentally responsible.
This article originally appeared at https://www.eurosac.org/media/news/european-paper-sacks-reduce-carbon-footprint-by-9-between-2021-and-2024/
