CONAI Recognizes International Paper and Zespri for their Kiwifruit Eco Pack

International Paper teams consistently demonstrate that sustainability is at the core of our daily operations. Recently, together with our customer partner Zespri, we have been awarded at Eco Pack, the CONAI Call for Ecodesign, for our innovative Full Cardboard Consumer Pack 500g. This recognition highlights IP’s commitment to keep innovating to develop truly sustainable packaging solutions.

The newly improved punnet offers several advantages over its predecessor. It is highly efficient on packaging lines, adaptable to various kiwifruit sizes, and optimized for transportation, allowing for 48% more punnets per pallet. The use of lighter, high-performance papers and approximately 30% recycled fiber has resulted in a 17% reduction in net weight and a 44% decrease in material waste. These improvements underscore our dedication to sustainability and resource efficiency.

The IP product stood out among the winners, delivering significant benefits in the use of secondary raw materials, conservation of raw and virgin materials, and optimization of logistics and production processes.

Recent data from the CONAI Eco Tool further emphasizes the positive impact of the new packaging solution. The carbon footprint has been reduced by 19%, energy consumption has been cut by 28%, and water usage has been lowered by 35%. These measurable environmental improvements reflect International Paper's ongoing dedication to promoting sustainability in the packaging industry.