How the energy crisis impacts the supply of paper and cardboard

The world of food packaging is undergoing a true revolution, driven by an extremely promising protagonist: paper. Packaging: paper is the fastest-growing food packaging material. As environmental concerns rise and consumers become increasingly aware of their choices, the food packaging industry is shifting toward sustainable and innovative solutions. In this context, paper emerges as the fastest-growing material, bringing a range of benefits that go far beyond environmental sustainability. Read also: “Reducing the environmental impact of packaging: what Europe mandates” Sustainability comes first One of the primary reasons paper is experiencing strong growth as a food packaging material is its eco-sustainability. Unlike traditional plastic packaging options, paper is biodegradable and compostable. This characteristic not only reduces negative environmental impacts but also meets the demands of a market increasingly focused on sustainability. Consumers actively seek products that reflect their ecological values, making paper an attractive option for brands wishing to stand out. Saying goodbye to plastic has become more and more important for modern consumers, and paper packaging is rapidly becoming the answer to this need. An increasing number of Italian families are embracing the idea of more sustainable packaging, with 65% in 2022 choosing a product specifically because of its eco-friendly packaging. Meanwhile, 19% gave up on buying a product due to its unsustainable packaging. Versatility and adaptability Paper offers high versatility, adapting to a wide range of packaging needs. From bags to boxes, and from tissue paper to folding containers, paper lends itself to multiple applications without compromising food quality or safety. Its flexibility allows packagers to create tailor-made solutions that meet the specific preservation and presentation needs of each product. According to research by Nomisma, the trend toward paper and cardboard is not just about beverages, but is gaining ground in every food sector, from fruit and vegetables to frozen foods. This reflects a significant cultural shift, with consumers placing higher value on packaging sustainability in every single part of their shopping cart. The power of recycling Italy has proven to be a powerhouse in recycling, generating 1 billion and 525 million euros in environmental benefits in 2021 through packaging recycling and recovery, according to the Conai Sustainability Report. This not only helps to save raw materials but also significantly reduces primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Italy, already a European leader in per capita packaging recycling, is in a privileged position to guide Europe toward a more sustainable future. Protection and freshness Contrary to common perception, paper is not just a sustainable choice, but also offers effective protection for food. Thanks to advancements in paper production technology, it is possible to develop solutions that maintain food freshness, protecting products from external factors such as light and moisture. This translates into longer shelf life for food products and a reduction in waste. Beyond practical aspects, paper also helps enhance the consumer experience. Its tactile and visual nature creates a unique sensory experience, evoking a sense of authenticity and connection with the product. Brands can leverage this feature to communicate their commitment to sustainable practices and create an emotional bond with consumers. Cart-One has always been a promoter and implementer of the circular economy—the produce-consume-regenerate-recover model—ensuring that our production waste becomes a paper reel and, ultimately, a box once again within our facilities. We firmly believe in protecting the environment, which is why we pay the utmost attention to saving raw materials and continuously improving our production processes, aimed at reducing our impacts on water, air, and soil. Contact us for more information or to request a free quote for your packaging. Cart-One specializes in specific packaging for companies that produce and sell pasta, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages such as beer, fruit, vegetables, canned tuna, milk and dairy products, sweets, and chocolate. Together, we will find the solution best suited to your needs. To learn more: “Sustainable and recycled paper for product packaging: case studies”

Cardboard displays are quite common in large-scale retail, and their role is essential in enhancing products on offer or promoting their launch. Are they effective in boosting sales? In reality, displays are capable of stimulating the consumer's desire to purchase. How is a cardboard display made? Cardboard displays can come in various sizes and heights. They can be designed with one or more compartments for product display.  The graphics of the display can be fully customized to create a showcase that seamlessly integrates with the product packaging to showcase it at its best. There are different types of displays: Floor displays: they maximize vertical space and help reduce overall bulk. Counter displays: they are indispensable for maintaining order on horizontal surfaces. When are cardboard displays needed? Cardboard displays can be used to set up dedicated corners within shops and supermarkets, making it possible to showcase special offers or promote brand-new products.  Cardboard displays are also a fundamental resource for setting up trade show stands. This makes it easier to optimize spaces by utilizing them vertically.  In this case, the displays can include shelves and brochure holders, which not only give visibility to the product but also allow visitors to independently gather information and advertising material to find useful details. What is a cardboard display for? Discover its functions. As mentioned at the beginning, the display creates a showcase that isolates the product from its surrounding context. This allows the potential buyer to distinguish any given item from similar ones. The strategy is to intrigue the potential buyer so that they are guided toward completing the purchase. A floor display, for example, allows consumers to have the goods at the perfect height. The customer will have the opportunity to pick up the product, hold it in their hands, and compare different variants of the same item if displayed together.  This allows for greater interaction compared to the traditional shelf where options multiply, meaning consumers are not always inclined to try new products; instead, they are more driven, precisely through packaging recognition, to choose the most familiar one. This journey can be further encouraged by highlighting price information or by reporting news and benefits that can come from its purchase.  Discover CART-ONE solutions to create your custom displays. Contact us for more information and to get a quote that meets your needs.

The Italian paper sector is facing an epochal transition phase toward sustainability and decarbonization, with the goal of drastically reducing CO₂ emissions and aligning with European standards for climate neutrality. Presented in Rome, the Assocarta study examined strategies for a competitive decarbonization of the paper industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities linked to electrification and the use of renewable energy sources. Towards decarbonization: the Italian paper industry and the challenges of the green transition. In this article, we will explore the key points of the study and how Cart-One's initiatives fit into this framework of environmental sustainability. To learn more: “29th Comieco Report: paper and cardboard recycling in Italy, 2023 marks a new historic record” Decarbonization and competitiveness for the paper sector The path toward decarbonization is not only a necessity for the protection of the planet, but also a challenge that can transform into a competitive advantage for companies in the paper sector. According to the Assocarta study, the Italian paper sector can become a model of excellence in Europe thanks to a mix of green technologies and innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint. Assocarta emphasizes that Italy, with a very prominent paper production at a European level, finds itself needing to implement concrete measures to reduce emissions. Among the proposals put forward by the study, the electrification of processes and the adoption of renewable energy sources emerge as key elements to accelerate the energy transition and maintain the sector's competitiveness. Electrification and green sources: strategies for the energy transition Assocarta identifies the electrification of processes as one of the main strategies to reduce CO₂ emissions. The use of electricity from renewable sources can represent an effective and sustainable solution to power paper industries, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, this transition requires significant investments in new technologies and adequate energy infrastructures. Despite the initial costs, electrification offers numerous long-term benefits, including greater energy efficiency and a significant reduction in emissions. In parallel, the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, can further contribute to making the paper sector more sustainable. The Assocarta study suggests that, by combining these sources with energy storage solutions, paper mills could reduce their energy dependence and optimize the use of available resources. Sustainability in packaging: Cart-One's commitment In the context of this transition toward decarbonization, Cart-One is actively committed to promoting sustainable practices in packaging production. By using recycled materials and adopting energy-efficient production processes, Cart-One contributes to reducing the sector's environmental impact. These actions not only favor the environment, but also make it possible to offer eco-friendly packaging solutions, responding to the growing consumer demand for sustainable products.  Cart-One is implementing strategies that support the transition toward a greener packaging, with the goal of reducing CO₂ emissions and optimizing the use of energy resources. Investing in sustainable practices is now a necessary step to meet market needs and to contribute to achieving European climate neutrality targets by 2050. Towards a sustainable future: opportunities and challenges The Assocarta study highlights that, to achieve complete decarbonization, a concerted effort is required among companies, institutions, and citizens. Incentives and political support will be essential to allow companies to face investment costs for the energy transition. Furthermore, the spread of a sustainability culture among businesses and environmental awareness among consumers represent crucial levers to stimulate change.   For the paper sector, adopting decarbonization strategies is not just an environmental commitment, but a true opportunity to innovate and stand out in a market increasingly oriented toward sustainability. The decarbonization of the paper sector represents a challenge and an opportunity for Italy, which can become a point of reference in Europe for sustainable production. With concrete initiatives and targeted investments in green technologies, Cart-One positions itself at the forefront of the path toward low-carbon production. The future of packaging is increasingly green, and Cart-One is ready to do its part to drive the change. Contact us for more information. See also: “Paper and cardboard recycling: an unprecedented success in 2023”