Billerud’s Sustainability Journey Goes West
Earlier this year, BillerudKorsnäs combined with Verso Corporation to create Billerud, a world leading paper and packaging materials company based in Sweden with roots in the forest and paper industry that go beyond 150 years.
“One year ago, we developed a strategic plan with a clear goal of achieving profitable and sustainable growth long term by expanding our cartonboard business in North America,” says Billerud President and CEO Christoph Michalski. “We were pleased to find Verso, a leading paper manufacturer in the US, with assets that can be turned into paperboard”.
“By converting some of legacy Verso’s assets into premium cartonboard machines, Billerud will increase its supply of high-quality and low carbon-footprint cartonboard for end uses such as cosmetics, pharma and healthcare, luxury drinks and confectionary products, among others, to meet the increasing need for more sustainable packaging materials in North America and beyond,” says President of Billerud North America Rob Kreizenbeck.
Sustainable packaging is no longer optional. It’s a must for any brand that wants to future-proof its business. “At Billerud, we are building a future where lighter, stronger, more durable and sustainable packaging is the natural choice because it allows customers to use less packaging material, save costs and reduce the carbon footprint of their packaging,” said Michalski.
An example is Billerud’s CrownBoard product family for luxury segments such as confectionery and cosmetics. Michalski says, “CrownBoard’s performance white barrier removes the need for plastic in industrial bags. We work with our customers to provide sustainable packaging solutions that help them switch from plastic (or other conventional materials) to paper.”
Michalski closes, “We believe in challenging ourselves and our customers to constantly improve, because we know that all aspects of packaging can always be made better. This is a mindset we apply to every part of our operations, from responsible wood supply sourcing to the way we develop our materials and the services we provide.”
For more information about Billerud and its paper and packaging materials, please visit us at our booth at Pack Expo, McCormick Place in Chicago. You will find us in the West Building in the Containers and Materials Pavilion, Booth W25001.
The Pack Expo will take place October 23-26.
For any further questions, please contact:
Anders Gathu, Marketing Manager Cartonboard, cell phone +4672 243 36 61,
anders.gathu@billerud.com (on site at Pack Expo)
Louise Wileen Bjarke, Head of Press, cell phone +4672 210 35 14,
louise.wileenbjarke@billerud.com
Billerud provides paper and packaging materials that challenge conventional packaging for a sustainable future. We are a world leading company in superior paper and packaging materials made from virgin fibres; passionately committed to sustainability, quality and customer value. The company has nine production units in Sweden, USA, and Finland with around 5 800 employees in over 13 countries and customers in over 100 countries. Billerud is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. www.billerud.com
