An unprecedented 4evergreen alliance in Europe

The 4evergreen alliance is an unprecedented industry collaboration that Sappi is proud to have joined in 2019. Never before have businesses and organisations from every part of the fibre-based packaging value chain joined forces for a common cause. 

The aim of the alliance is to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy that minimises climate and environmental impact. Together, the alliance is:  

  • increasing awareness about the benefits of fibre-based packaging materials 
  • increasing the overall recycling rates of fibre-based packaging materials 
  • producing guidelines and tools to enhance recyclability through packaging design,  collection and sorting 

The alliance is a timely response to support the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive, designed to accelerate development of alternative packaging and enable consumers to make more climate-friendly choices. The work of the alliance is also championing change towards the aim of the EU Green Deal: climate neutrality by 2050. 

The alliance was ultimately born in response to consumer demands and concerns. Thomas Kratochwill, Vice President for Packaging and Specialities at Sappi explains:

“People want to make choices that don’t harm the environment. They want sustainable packaging they can feel good about. The innovative fibre-based products that companies like Sappi produce offer great alternatives to conventional, fossil-based materials. And we’re just getting started.”  

The alliance brings together actors from across the packaging value chain: from fellow pulp and paper manufacturers, converters and brand owners. “Together, we can address persistent and complex topics”, said Sarah Price, Sustainability manager at Sappi Europe and a Co-lead in 4evergreen´s Information Workstream.

“I’m convinced we can advance beyond the current 86% recycling rate for fibre-based packaging in Europe, achieving the circularity we all seek in our sector.” 

Discover the Sappi innovations powering a more circular economy and sustainable world. Learn more about the 4EverGreen Alliance and Cepi, the European association representing the paper industry.