FINLAND (News release) -- Stora Enso, along with other members of CEPI, the European association representing the forest fiber and paper industry, are joining forces with companies across the value chain to drive the recycling of fiber-based packaging and collaboration in circular design and materials to enable positive change in circular economy.

4evergreen aims to boost the contribution of fiber-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy that minimizes climate and environmental impact. In addition, the goals are to increase awareness about innovation in fiber-based packaging materials and recycling, set guidelines for product design enabling circularity and secondary use of fibers, and support the development of optimized collection systems as well as critical recycling infrastructures and technologies adapted to fiber-based packaging.

The unique alliance brings together the whole value chain. In addition to Stora Enso, members in the alliance include Nestlé, Danone, Huhtamäki, SIG Combibloc, SEDA, Elopak, Tetra Pak, AR Packaging and MARS among others.

"This is a critical step to strengthen circular bioeconomy in Europe, and to boost the role of fiber-based packaging solutions in the market" says Karl-Henrik Sundström, CEO of Stora Enso. "Plastic litter is a global problem that cannot be tackled without climate smart, renewable and recyclable solutions. Joining forces with companies across the value chain can bring about a real, transformative change."

According to Eurostat, fiber-based packaging is already recycled in Europe at the rate of 84.6% and the volume of recycled fiber-based packaging alone equals that of all other recycled packaging materials together. The industry is looking to advance and bring to market new innovative products using recycled fibers through initiatives like 4evergreen.