The paper bags contain recycled paper produced at Australian Paper’s 900 staff Maryvale Mill in Victoria. They are distributed through BJ Ball.
Julian Mathers, general manager of packaging and sustainability, Australian Paper told Australian Printer, “Australian Paper is strongly committed to manufacturing our papers in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way. Likewise our customers are increasingly looking to support sustainable products when making their paper purchases. They are recognising that paper and converted products from overseas may come with questionable, environmental and social consequences. The production of locally made Carbon Neutral paper is a logical development for Australian Paper to support our customers’ environmental aspirations and differentiate our Australian made papers more clearly from imported products.”
The paper used to make the bags is certified to the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS), the Australian Government certification that sets the requirements for achieving carbon neutrality.
Mathers says, “Carbon Neutral means that all of the carbon emissions associated with the production of this paper have been measured from ‘cradle to grave’, independently audited, reduced, and then offset by investments in greenhouse gas reduction projects. The National Carbon Offset Standard is an Australian Government initiative and Australian buyers of NCOS certified papers can be sure that their purchases are truly carbon neutral under this Standard. Buying Carbon Neutral paper means directly supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”
Adrian Willoughby, managing director, Stirling Fildes says, “By offering this first, we remain a market leader in the pharmacy retail packaging industry, while helping to reduce our carbon footprint.”
Willoughby says, “We have a responsibility to provide sustainable packaging options for our customers who will ultimately reap the benefits.”
Looking to the longer term Willougby says, “The opportunity to work with Australian Paper is exciting, and we look forward to building on a better environmentally friendly and sustainable range of products.”
Australian Paper has to date sold 50 tonnes of this new carbon neutral grade packaging product with a further 40 tonnes on order. One tonne of the paper equates to 200,000 bags.
Jim Henneberry, CEO, Australian Paper says, “Australian Paper has always been an innovative, forward thinking company and the creation of this product is further evidence that we are a frontrunner in the industry.
“This product gives companies and consumers the option to help the environment by reducing their carbon footprint through use of the unassuming paper bag.”
BJ Ball are the merchants of the carbon neutral bag paper grades in Australia. Luke Wilkinson, national sales manager, BJ Ball says, “We are excited to be part of the supply chain for this world first carbon natural product and applaud both Australian Paper and Stirling Fildes for their commitment to sustainable manufacturing and procurement.”
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