Many paper industry products are such an imbedded part of our lives that we often take them for granted, but just think about what our lives would be like without the tissue segment of our business. While paper products are inherently sustainable, the growing circular economy discourse has drawn single-use products like tissues and paper towels into the conversation—and often not in a positive way. However, a closer look at the tissue product sector reveals some interesting sustainability facts that may not be top of mind. First, consider that tissue products are highly engineered to perform multiple functions at once. Bathroom tissue, for example, must be strong, soft and absorbent enough to perform its primary purpose, yet break down in a matter of seconds to pass through wastewater systems. To make products that perform according to a wide range of functions and align with consumer needs, paper towel and tissue manufacturers must use the appropriate mix of wood fiber pulp and recovered paper, as each brings different properties to the table. Achieving ultra-softness and absorbency, for instance, requires the use of fresh fiber. U.S. manufacturers are committed to responsible and sustainable wood fiber sourcing. As part of an overall paper industry sustainability goal, paper towel and tissue producers are continually increasing the amount of fiber procured from certified forestlands and through certified fiber sourcing programs. Click Read More below for additional information.

HH Global is proud to announce that we have recently sponsored POPAIs latest innovative research into the recycling of POSM displays and secondary packaging in the UK and Ireland marketplace - and the findings are startling. This piece of research delivers dramatically contrasting messages: 88% of the brands and retailers questioned considered recyclability an important topic, yet 35% do not have any measurable recycling targets for display material and packaging. It goes on to outline how, historically, very little attention has been paid to the recyclability of POSM displays in comparison to primary packaging. Subsequently, approaches to recycling are fragmented and there remains a real need for consolidation of efforts across the board. The research also details the integral role which suppliers and integrators like HH Global play to help ensure that POSM is designed with sustainability and end-of-life in mind. The top two suggestions for improvement of recycling were more recycling instructions on displays (65%) and stronger design guidelines (57%). Therefore it is clear that the importance of recycling instructions which are available, consistent and simplistic, is paramount.

After its invention in the 20th century, plastic was seen as a miracle material. Today, we know about the various health and environmental risks it brings. Korean company Dongnam Realize found a sustainable alternative in CXP, a new kind of thermosoftening wood made from PEFC-certified wood. Thanks to its plastic-like properties, CXP can replace the plastic products we use in our daily lives. We spoke to Seunghoon Lim, Chief Technology Officer at Dongnam Realize, who told us more about the material and its potential to make the future more sustainable.