- Voith is active as a leading technology partner in the 4evergreen initiative
- At Voith's Fiber Technology Center (FTC), experts test the recyclability of fiber-based packaging papers and develop sustainable solutions together with other members
- As part of the sustainability program “Papermaking for Life,” Voith is committed to increasing the recycling rate to 90 percent by 2030
HEIDENHEIM. For a year now, Voith has been active as a leading technology partner in the cross-sector industrial alliance 4evergreen. The initiative, hosted by CEPI, is committed to a 90 percent recycling rate of fiber-based packaging by 2030. Optimal recycling of fibers and the establishment of a circular economy are considered important levers for more sustainable paper production. For example, fiber recycling can bind CO2, conserve resources and save costs. New innovations are needed to further increase the recycling rate. To this end, Voith is involved in the "Innovation" project group of the 4evergreen alliance. In this group, experts from Voith contribute their experience from the Fiber Technology Center (FTC) for an optimal recycling process. By improving aggregates, processes and settings, it should be possible to break down even materials that are difficult to recycle and maximize fiber yield.
''Sustainability is a key fundamental pillar at Voith. Enabling a 90 percent recycling rate is therefore part of our sustainability program ‘Papermaking for Life,’. We are pleased to contribute our many years of experience to the 4evergreen alliance. In this way, we are helping to expand the range of applications for fiber-based packaging and at the same time further increase the recycling rate. As part of the initiative, we are working with other members on sustainable and recyclable packaging papers.'' - Bernd Güldenberg, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Voith Paper
In the first step, Voith's specialists examined more than 10 different barrier papers in the laboratory, which were compiled by the 4evergreen members. The results are currently being evaluated. Subsequently, Voith will develop concepts in targeted trials to further optimize the recovered paper preparation systems of the 4evergreen members.
''The new papers should have all the desired functions, such as food protection. At the same time, the papers should also be fully recyclable, ensuring the recycling and reuse of fibers, residual materials and coating materials thanks to new technologies.'' - Bernd Güldenberg, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Voith Paper
Cross-industry cooperation
In total, 100 leading companies along the entire value chain are working on various topics in the 4evergreen alliance. The Confederation of European Paper Industries CEPI founded the 4evergreen initiative in 2019 due to increasing consumer demand for fiber-based and sustainable packaging solutions. The alliance includes pulp paper and board manufacturers as well as recyclers, packaging material producers and converters, food and beverage producers, food retailers, technology and material suppliers, waste paper sorters and collectors, as well as research institutes. In addition to the "Innovation" project group, other groups are defining important Europe-wide guidelines for the paper industry. These involve the assessment of recyclability and the design of fiber-based packaging to ensure recyclability. At the same time, members are developing recommendations for collection systems and waste paper sorting. The goal is to define targeted sorting for optimal management of recyclables streams. More information can be found here.
Papermaking for Life sustainability program
As part of the "Papermaking for Life" innovation and development offensive, Voith Paper is presenting versatile technologies and initiatives that lead to more efficient and sustainable processes in papermaking. The focus is on water, energy and fiber savings as well as digitalization, innovations and partnerships as levers for more sustainable production. Another focus is on Voith's own activities at its locations worldwide. Learn more about Voith Paper's innovations in the area of sustainability.
As part of the "Papermaking for Life" innovation and development offensive, Voith Paper is presenting versatile technologies and initiatives that lead to more efficient and sustainable processes in papermaking.
About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has around 20,000 employees, sales of € 4.3 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the larger family-owned companies in Europe.
The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services, and products on the market, and offers paper manufacturers holistic solutions from a single source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations facilitates resource-conserving production and supports customers in significantly reducing their carbon footprint. With its comprehensive automation products and leading digitization solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, Voith offers its customers state-of-the-art, digital technologies to increase the availability and efficiency of their systems in all areas of the production process.
Source: Voith
