For decades, the European containerboard industry has been a pioneer and leader in sustainability, championing recycling, resource efficiency, and renewable energy. Now, it is taking the next bold step: achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.
To reach this goal, Containerboard Europe, with the support of Climact and industry experts, has developed a roadmap to support and guide European containerboard producers on their unique decarbonisation journeys.
The containerboard industry is at the forefront of Europe’s green and industrial transition. As a cornerstone of the circular economy and bioeconomy, the industry welcomes and supports the European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal and calls for policy frameworks that enable deep industrial decarbonisation and global competitiveness.
For the containerboard industry, achieving Net Zero is more than an environmental goal, it is a strategic imperative. Decarbonisation will future-proof operations, strengthen competitiveness, and align with regulatory frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, while reinforcing Europe’s leadership in sustainable packaging solutions.
Net Zero means reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as much as possible and balancing any remaining emissions with actions that remove carbon from the atmosphere. The goal is to ensure no additional greenhouse gases are emitted to the atmosphere. Achieving Net Zero is critical to tackle climate change as greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from burning fossil fuels, are the biggest driver of global warming.
Fossil emissions per ton of net saleable containerboard product (NSP) produced down 40%
Energy consumption per ton of net saleable containerboard product down 33%
Share of fossil fuels in the fuel mix, down from 57% in 1996 to 44% in 2020
Electrification increased, with purchased electricity accounting for 20% of the energy mix in 2020, compared to 17% in 1996
Share of biofuels has grown, further decreasing reliance on fossil fuels