From forest to future: how paper carrier bags contribute to the circular bioeconomy

Paper carrier bags are presented as a strong fit with the EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) because they are made from renewable wood fibres, are reusable, and are widely recyclable. The article argues that the kraft paper and paper bag industry has long focused on conserving resources—well before the PPWR—by using sustainably managed (often certified) forest raw materials, supporting traceability, and relying partly on timber-industry by-products like wood chips and thinning wood so more of each tree is utilized.

It highlights efficiency improvements in production, particularly in terms of energy and water usage. Kraft paper mills increasingly use renewable energy and internally generated biofuels, and many produce a significant share of their own electricity. Water use has also been reduced over time through better intake efficiency and repeated treatment and reuse of process water before most of it is returned to its source in a clean state.

The article also describes “closed-loop” practices in manufacturing and conversion: production residuals are fed back into processes, converters order precise quantities to minimize offcuts, and leftover materials, such as inks and adhesives, are stored for reuse. On the product side, “smart design” has reduced material use by improving kraft paper strength, enabling durable bags that use less fibre while still carrying heavy loads—supporting packaging reduction goals.

Finally, it emphasizes that paper carrier bags can be reused multiple times and, once worn out, are easy to recycle through local systems, with paper fibres able to be recycled repeatedly into new products. The piece closes by promoting European Paper Bag Day on 18 October 2025, themed “Simple choice, big impact,” encouraging retailers, brands, and consumers to participate and share activities using #EuropeanPaperBagDay.