Paperboard boxes on top of each other

Comparing plastic and paperboard packaging

Get the results from a study by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute

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About the study

IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute was commissioned by Holmen to conduct a study, including Product Life Cycle Calculation, how different packaging materials impact the climate. The study looks at various everyday products like pasta, baby spoons, hearing protectors, textiles and light bulbs.

The results of the study clearly show that there are great climate gains to be made by choosing climate smart packaging. 

Key findings

  • Paperboard packaging demonstrates lower climate impact compared to plastic packaging due to its renewable raw material source.
  • The production of paperboard can utilize biobased energy in climate-neutral processes, further reducing its environmental footprint.
  • Despite potential weight differences and challenges in certain applications, there are environmental gains based partly on the potential of making new packaging.