{"id":11982,"date":"2026-03-02T04:16:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T09:16:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=11982"},"modified":"2026-03-02T04:16:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T09:16:38","slug":"eu-carton-packaging-emissions-fall-8-since-2021-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=11982","title":{"rendered":"EU carton packaging emissions fall 8% since 2021 \u2013 report"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The findings support the use of carton packaging as a lower-carbon alternative. Credit: Deemerwha studio \/ Shutterstock.com. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

The European carton packaging sector has reported an 8% decrease in cradle-to-gate fossil carbon emissions since 2021, according to data released by Pro Carton, the regional association representing cartonboard and packaging manufacturers.<\/p>\n

The figures, published in Pro Carton\u2019s 2025 Carbon Footprint of Carton Packaging Study, show that annual emissions have fallen from 929kg CO\u2082 equivalent per tonne to 854kg in 2024.<\/p>\n

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The research was carried out by the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) and independently verified by the Institut f\u00fcr Energie-und Umweltforschung (ifeu) in Germany.<\/p>\n

Pro Carton stated that the findings support the use of carton packaging as a lower-carbon alternative for companies seeking substitutes for fossil-based materials.<\/p>\n

The association also noted that this is providing verifiable data required to meet Scope 3 climate targets.<\/p>\n

Covering results from 2021 to 2024, the report is based on information from facilities responsible for 60% of European cartonboard and 16% of folding carton production.<\/p>\n

The sector\u2019s cut in emissions has been primarily attributed to efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.<\/p>\n

Between 2021 and 2024, European mills reduced the share of fossil energy used from 46% to 39%.<\/p>\n

Increased use of wood-based biofuels and renewable heat allowed manufacturers to avoid around 60kg CO\u2082 equivalent per tonne.<\/p>\n

Emissions linked to electricity purchased for mills and converting sites were also reduced by 29kg CO\u2082 equivalent per tonne, with a move towards low-carbon electricity.<\/p>\n

The proportion of such energy purchased by surveyed mills rose from 23% in 2021 to 66% in 2024.<\/p>\n

The report points out that fibre-based packaging, sourced from European forests under sustainable management practices, acts as a storage medium for atmospheric carbon dioxide.<\/p>\n

The document also looks at the converting process, finding that it represents one-fifth of total emissions, but direct on-site emissions from activities such as print drying and heating account for 2%.<\/p>\n

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