Södra Boosts Recycled Content in Timber Packaging

Södra is increasing the recycled content of its timber packaging to 70%, advancing its circular economy strategy while reducing the carbon footprint of its packaging operations.

The Swedish forest industry group has introduced a new plastic wrap containing a higher proportion of recycled material, replacing a previous solution with 50% recycled content. The updated packaging, identifiable by its off-white and grey appearance, will also feature a simplified design with fewer print variations.

According to Södra, the transition is expected to reduce packaging-related emissions by approximately 160 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) annually.

Building on earlier circular initiatives

The move builds on a collaboration launched in 2021 with Swedish packaging manufacturer Trioworld, when Södra introduced timber wrap produced from recycled post-consumer plastic.

By increasing recycled content to 70%, the company says it is taking another step toward creating more circular material flows while maintaining the performance required for timber packaging.

Maria Persdotter Isaksson, Head of Sustainability at Södra Wood, said the initiative demonstrates how redesigning everyday materials such as packaging can help lower climate impacts and support the company’s broader sustainability objectives.

Gradual rollout across sawmills

The new packaging has already been tested at Södra’s Värö sawmill and will be introduced progressively across the company’s sawmill network.

Trioworld, which developed the new packaging solution with Södra, said the project reflects the benefits of long-term collaboration focused on both product performance and climate impact.

The initiative forms part of Södra’s broader efforts to increase the use of recycled materials throughout its operations while strengthening supply chain resilience and advancing sustainable packaging solutions for the forest products industry.

Source: Paper Advance