Packaging trends in Europe are compared with the U.S. since they occupy similar geographic areas, have similar climates and topographical features, and their containerboard companies supply many of the same global food, beverage and consumer goods companies. However, average basis weights of corrugated are now 20% lighter in Europe than the U.S
A critical look at the geographic factors, the fiber considerations and the supply chain drivers that distinguish Europe from North America are not different enough to continue to explain a 20% differential in average basis weights. Sustainability, packaging efficiency and cost savings are vitally important considerations to North American corrugated users as well as those in Europe.”
Since 2000 only three new machines have been built in North America, compared with thirty-two in Europe. Modern machines, or conversions of existing machines, can produce extra-lightweight containerboard (under 26#) more quickly and economically. The evolution of ‘lightweighting’, including the technology developments of board machines, corrugators and converting capabilities, provides the containerboard producer and converter perspectives in the study, alongside what the trend towards lighter basis weights means for end-users.
SOURCE: RISI