Article

Lightweight as a guiding star

Lightweighting is a top priority for the packaging industry, driven by the need for greater resource efficiency, lower carbon dioxide emissions, and optimized logistics. We know that our customers have high expectations of innovation to minimize material use without compromising performance. So, what does Billerud do in this field? Quite a lot, and we’re continuously refining and improving to push the boundaries even further.

Low weight – a heavy argument

Reducing packaging weight starts with strong fibers. Billerud uses wood fibers from responsibly managed forests as the basis for all products. The result is materials strong enough to perform according to tough specifications while minimizing emissions, both in production and logistics. Moreover, as fresh fibers are essential to maintaining recycling flows, these fibers contribute to lighter products further down the value chain.

Lightweighting creates value in several ways. Optimizing fiber efficiency reduces the amount of raw material needed while maintaining strength. Less material also means a reduced transportation impact, leading to lower carbon dioxide emissions and an average cost saving of 10% across the supply chain. At the same time, lightweight packaging improves handling, streamlining workflows and enhancing staff ergonomics.

Some examples from the portfolio

Billerud has a strong heritage of developing paper and board made from fresh fibers for lightweight packaging. Here is a selection of products that made the transition all the way from R&D and lab testing to winning the trust of converters and brand owners.

Xpression E-Com

A strong yet lightweight paper designed for e-commerce bags that withstand the challenges of online retail. Rigorously tested and validated by ISTA standards and proven in real-world conditions with over 300 million bags being used annually.

Xpression E-Com

FibreForm® paper

A paper with high stretch that enables unique and tactile brand experiences, for example, in paper cup sleeve design. Offering exciting design possibilities, it creates an engaging experience for consumers, enhancing everyday interactions with sustainable materials.

Formable Paper

QuickFill®

Billerud QuickFill® sack paper offers extreme strength and porosity, enabling a switch to fewer plies and high-speed converting for improved productivity.

QuickFill®

CrownBoard Craft

A high-strength, lightweight cartonboard designed for demanding applications such as multipacks and chilled & frozen food packaging. The strong fresh fibers allow for a lower basis weight while maintaining rigid structure, moisture resistance, and premium printability.

CrownBoard Craft

CrownBoard Prestige

A top-tier cartonboard engineered for luxury packaging, cosmetics, confectionery, and premium goods. Its superior smoothness and whiteness enhance print quality, while the lightweight yet strong construction enables packaging that looks premium but is more resource-efficient.

CrownBoard Prestige

Dry food bags

Strong, food-safe paper for secure and sustainable dry food packaging. All papers are made from fresh fibers and recyclable in regular paper streams, providing a renewable alternative to plastic packaging.

Dry food bags

Always refining, always improving

Just like an athlete, Billerud is constantly pushing the limits in the pursuit of even lighter materials—without compromising on strength and other critical parameters. Innovation is at the heart of our business and we believe that great ideas can come from anywhere, not least through close collaboration with customers.

Could your operations benefit from lighter packaging materials? We’d be happy to explore solutions for your challenges. If you’re not ready to reach out just yet, feel free to visit our website to learn more about how we work with lightweighting.

Visit website