Sustainability

We’ve always known there was a better in-the-box packaging option. But for a long time, there weren’t any ecologically sound alternatives that could do an effective job of protecting products. So in 1972, we created one. It was the first of many steps on our path towards cleaner, safer boxing systems. Now, it’s your turn. Help us contain what has become one of the single greatest threats to our planet and ecosystem: plastic.

FSC® certification

As part of our mission to Deliver a Better World™, all paper produced by Ranpak EMEA is now certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), from March 22nd, 2021. While we have already been using FSC®-certified paper for many years, certifying 100% of our paper is the final step to creating a fully sustainable chain of custody.

More information about FSC®

Our sustainability story

Check out the sustainable power of paper and discover our packaging alternatives to plastics.

View our sustainability brochure

The plastic crisis is more urgent than you think

The world produces more than 400 million tons of plastics every year, and only 9% is recycled. People are demanding change, and companies are taking notice.

66% of global consumers say they’re willing to pay more for sustainable goods.*

84% of consumers seek out responsible products wherever possible.**

81% of consumers believe it’s very important that companies implement programs to improve the environment.***

127 out of 192 countries have legislated to regulate the manufacture, sale, use and disposal of single-use plastic.

60+ Countries have introduced bans and levies to curb single-use plastic waste.

A new EU-wide strategy on plastics is aiming to achieve a more circular economy. It seeks to address plastic pollution, and to demonstrate the business case for change. The top-level features are:

A ban on selected single-use plastic products where there are alternatives.
Ambitious recycling targets for all packaging materials. New plastic products must contain at least 50% recycled materials by 2025 and 75% by 2035.
Extended manufacturer responsibility: producers of relevant products must share the costs of clean-up, waste management, and awareness campaigns

Why go GREEN with paper protective packaging?

Consumers are increasingly demanding action

81% of consumers believe it’s very important for companies to take action that improves the environment. Be that company!***

Be part of the solution, not part of the problem

When you solve your secondary packaging needs with paper rather than plastic, you become part of the solution to the plastic pollution problem.

Your reputation is at stake

Environmental advocacy groups are often focused on calling out companies for their conduct – using social media to amplify their message. That can mean a profound reputational risk for less sustainable businesses.

You may soon have no choice

The EU, over 60 countries, and countless state and local governments have introduced bans or levies to reduce single-use plastic waste. More are sure to follow.

Why paper-based protective packaging is more sustainable

Renewable: Paper is one of the most sustainable products, made from renewable resources. It is biodegradable, and trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow. Paper also continues to store carbon throughout its lifetime.

Biodegradable: Biological organisms can break down natural products into basic compounds such as CO2, water, and biomass. For paper, this can take as little as a week to a few months. Other man-made products, as plastics, can take so long to degrade that for all practical purposes they are considered non-biodegradable.

Curbside recyclable: Recycling paper conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and keeps landfill space available. It also reduces our dependence on oil-based plastics. Paper is the most recycled product in Europe (above 72%)