FEFCO cites circularity as cardboard decarbonization factor

The Brussels-based European Federation of Corrugated Cardboard Manufacturers (FEFCO) has unveiled its Climate Neutrality Roadmap, developed with Belgium-based consultancy Climact.

“Climate neutrality by 2050 is the way that the European Commission foresees its future growth strategy,” FEFCO Director General Eleni Despotou says. “The FEFCO Secretariat considers it a duty to guide and assist the corrugated cardboard industry to enable climate neutrality in its manufacturing operations.”

FEFCO points to cardboard’s high recycling rate as a reason why the goal is feasible for the corrugated box industry, noting the study “responds to the EU Green Deal goal to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions” by up to 95 percent by 2050.

“The roadmap reflects a credible plan that can be implemented in the required timeframe, and shows the strong will of the industry to build a climate neutral future for corrugated cardboard," says Alex Manisty, chair of the FEFCO Climate Neutrality Roadmap Steering Committee. "Already the most recycled packaging material, with 88 percent recycled content, climate neutral corrugated cardboard will enable sustainable global supply chains for the long-term.”

“The European corrugated cardboard industry is circular by nature and has always been committed to sustainable growth," FEFCO says. "This impressive new ambition reflects its continuous efforts to preserve the environment and reduce GHG emissions.”

Despite an already high recycling rate, FEFCO says among the findings of the study are that improvements in material efficiency and circularity can help reduce the industry’s carbon footprint by 3.3 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (or by 19 percent) by 2050 compared to “business as usual.” Changes in the sector’s energy mix are cited as the other major factor.

“In a context where consumer awareness and expectations around packaging are rising, and where climate change is becoming a major concern, FEFCO is proud to present the corrugated cardboard sector’s plan to achieve climate neutrality by the year 2050," the organization says.