BRUSSELS - International Paper, a leading global corrugated packaging producer, participated in the annual FEFCO Technical Seminar hosted recently in Copenhagen, Denmark. Corrugated packaging plays a tremendously important role in the European economy taking into account that almost 75% of all goods manufactured in Europe are packed and protected with corrugated packaging1.
Under the theme 'Towards Intelligent Manufacturing', Eric Chartrain, Vice President & General Manager for International Paper's corrugated packaging business in EMEA, participated in a high-profile panel event at the conference giving his perspective on both challenges and opportunities facing the industry today and tomorrow. While current energy and related input costs are heaping pressure on manufacturers Chartrain kept an eye on the future citing the important contribution the paper-based packaging industry makes to sustainability and the circular economy by providing green goods that benefit people, the planet and economic prosperity. 'Regulators in Brussels need to remember these undeniable benefits as they develop packaging policy fit for tomorrow. There is a worrying policy trend these days to embrace plastic reusable alternatives to the detriment of using renewable, carbon storing recyclable alternatives', he warned.
'Corrugated Packaging is also helping to deliver the pleasure economy during the pandemic', Chartrain said. 'We are supporting our customers to meet the ever increasing consumer demand via on-line shopping with our high-quality e-commerce transport packaging products that are 100% recyclable, biodegradable or compostable.'
'Looking ahead, as we begin to build a better IP, we are embracing digital technology to better positon ourselves for the future, a markedly different future for IP', Chartrain noted, following the spin-off of the company's global papers business earlier in October. 'We are now more agile and focused to accelerate recent progress and capture greater growth potential here in the region, offering even more value to our corrugated packaging customers throughout EMEA.'
1FEFCO annual statistics report 2019
About International Paper
International Paper is a leading global producer of renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. We produce packaging products that protect and promote goods and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue, and other personal hygiene products that promote health and wellness. We are headquartered in Memphis, Tenn. and employ approximately 38,000 colleagues. Net sales for 2020 were $21 billion*. For more information about International Paper, our products, and global citizenship efforts, please visit internationalpaper.com.
In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and pulp, employing approximately 4,200 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Pulp production is centered in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include Kraft linerboard and recycled containerboard, as well as pulp.
Inclusive of our former pulp and paper mill in Kwidzyn, Poland, which was sold on August 6, 2021, and our former global papers business, which became a standalone, publicly traded company on October 1, 2021.
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