Project Description:

This project shows how wood-based raw materials can be used to replace fossil materials in packaging. In addition to renewable diesel, the UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery produces renewable naphtha, an excellent raw material for bioplastics. It can be transformed into the resins needed to create bioplastics, e.g. for the packaging industry.

Elopak, a Norway-based company supplying 15 billion cartons around the world each year, joined forces with UPM Biofuels and Dow to offer 100% renewable cartons that are both recyclable and responsibly sourced.

Choosing the right packaging solution can make a big difference. Beverage cartons have the lowest CO2 footprint among liquid food packaging today, and now even the plastic coating of the cartons can be wood-based renewable polyethylene , further reducing the footprint.

Creating a 100% wood-based carton has been a great example of collaboration across the value chain to find sustainable solutions. The project was widely promoted both internally and externally, via press releases, social media and interviews, e.g. via a video about the
collaboration.

Project Purpose

Using a wood-based plastic coating for cartons reduces their carbon footprint from its already low base relative to other liquid food packaging. Publicising this collaborative project was a great way for UPM to present our renewable naphtha production in the Lappeenranta Biorefinery known to a wider audience.