The Pulp and Paper Institute in Slovenia has developed a new corrugated cardboard made from tomato stems, demonstrating the importance of the circular economy. The tomato stems were sourced locally and transformed into liner and fluting papers suitable for use in corrugated board. The Institute produced the papers on a paper machine and then tested the production of corrugated cardboard, which is currently being optimized based on mechanical properties.
This innovation is fully recyclable, biodegradable, and safe for food contact. As a product manufactured for the first time in Slovenia and the wider region, the Institute is advancing the development of its own CIP brand of papers and boards. By supporting local circular stories and stakeholders with agro residues and other sources of lignocellulosic biomass, the Institute is enhancing its more than 70-year tradition of innovative cellulose products.
This development highlights the importance of sustainable practices and local sourcing, particularly in the paper industry, which traditionally relies on wood-based materials. Using agro residues and other biomass sources presents a viable alternative to reduce waste and environmental impact while supporting local communities.
Tomato Stem-Based Boxes
The ICP Created Corrugated Cardboard out of Tomato Stems
Trend Themes
1. Circular Economy Materials - There is a growing market for sustainable and renewable materials in packaging that can replace traditional plastic, which can be addressed by exploring the use of new circular economy materials.
2. Waste Reduction - Implementing practices that reduce waste and minimize environmental impact presents a viable alternative to reliance on wood-based materials, which can help create new opportunities and solutions to the problem of waste accumulation.
3. Localization of Production - Promoting the use of locally sourced materials for paper production can help support local communities and enhance the tradition of innovative cellulose products, which can create new opportunities for vertical integration in the industry.
Industry Implications
1. Packaging - The development of circular economy materials, such as tomato stem-based boxes, presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the packaging industry, especially in the shift towards more sustainable materials that are recyclable and biodegradable.
2. Paper Products - The use of agro residues and other sources of lignocellulosic biomass for paper production can help reduce waste and environmental impact while offering new opportunities for innovation and product development in the paper industry.
3. Agriculture - The sourcing of materials for paper production from agro residues and other biomass sources presents a sustainable solution that can support the circular economy and create new opportunities for integration between the agriculture and paper industries.