CARTON
2025: The Race Continues
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is a leading technology company that has been standing for innovation, quality, and reliability in mechanical engineering worldwide for 175 years.
With a clear focus on growth, HEIDELBERG is driving further development in the core areas of packaging and digital printing, software solutions and the lifecycle business with service and consumables so that customers can achieve maximum productivity and efficiency.
The creative power and expertise of its around 9,500 employees, its own production facilities in Europe, China and the USA and one of the largest global sales and service networks, the company is well-positioned for future growth.
Learn more about Speedmaster XL 106 | HEIDELBERG
Pro Carton at FachPack 2025: Shaping the Future of Sustainable Packaging
Pro Carton is excited to announce our participation in FachPack 2025, one of Europe’s leading trade fairs for packaging, technology, and processing. Taking place in Nuremberg, Germany, FachPack is a key event where industry experts, designers, and sustainability advocates come together to explore the future of packaging.
As the voice of the cartonboard industry, Pro Carton will showcase how fiber-based packaging solutions are leading the way in sustainability, innovation, and circularity. From cutting-edge packaging designs to the latest insights on European regulations, we look forward to engaging with brands, manufacturers, and policymakers to shape a more sustainable future.
Join us at FachPack with our colleagues at FFI and 4evergreen to discover the latest trends, network with industry leaders, and see how cartonboard is driving positive change in packaging. Stay tuned for more details on our presence at the event!
The European Commission recently released ‘Omnibus’ packages of simplification measures which are aiming to cut red tape and make EU rules more business friendly. To regain competitiveness and unleash growth, the EU needs to foster a favourable business environment and ensure that companies can thrive.
You can learn more here https://commission.europa.eu/news/commission-proposes-cut-red-tape-and-simplify-business-environmen t-2025-02-26_en
Thanks to FOLBB and VGP, this year’s Training Days will provide an in-depth look at how cartonboard packaging is manufactured and transformed into high-impact, sustainable packaging solutions. Two players with production sites in the center of Europe will open their doors to share latest innovations of cartonboard and folding carton production. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the entire cartonboard value chain, from raw materials to finished packaging.
Check out our interviews with Heidi from VGP and Peter from FOLBB to learn more about what to expect at our 2025 Training Days!
Van Genechten Packaging
For VGP, this initiative is about nurturing a culture of innovation and collaboration. It's about ensuring that the packaging industry remains dynamic and responsive to evolving consumer demands and environmental challenges. By engaging with young talent, we're injecting fresh perspectives and creative energy into the sector. This collaboration is vital for maintaining a sustainable and competitive edge, ensuring that the industry continues to evolve and thrive. For the packaging industry as a whole, this initiative promotes the development of future leaders who are equipped to drive positive change and create packaging solutions that are both functional and environmentally responsible.
Van Genechten Packaging (continued)
My advice to young professionals would be to cultivate a mindset of curiosity and innovation. Dare to think big and challenge conventional thinking. Don’t just follow trends; create them. Combine your creative vision with sound engineering principles, champion sustainability, and always question the status quo. Ask yourself how your ideas can make a tangible difference in people's lives and contribute to a better society. And most importantly, enjoy the journey! The packaging industry is dynamic and rewarding, offering endless opportunities for growth and innovation.
FOLBB Group
This initiative is crucial for FOLBB as it allows us to directly influence the future of sustainable packaging from cartonboard. By connecting with young designers, we're building a network of advocates who understand and appreciate the value of renewable materials. It's about cultivating a community where sustainable choices are prioritised. For the packaging industry, this means encouraging innovation that aligns with environmental responsibility, ultimately driving the adoption of more sustainable practices across the board.
FOLBB Group (continued)
packaging sector, what would it be?
To young designers, I would emphasise that you are the architects of a sustainable future. Embrace your role in making informed material choices, prioritising renewable resources and minimising reliance on fossil fuels. Explore the vast opportunities within our industry, bring your fresh ideas, learn from experienced colleagues, and continuously challenge yourself. This proactive approach will lay a solid foundation for a successful and impactful career.
improvement projects, equipping project managers with the expertise to lead both simple and complex initiatives. Following these presentations, they celebrated the achievement of:
Congratulations to the team at La Rochette for their dedication and commitment!
ensures precision control over manufacturing inputs, driving accountability across key environmental metrics. Strategic investments and a rigorous approach to sustainability have enabled MM to achieve ambitious climate goals, reinforcing its position as a trusted industry leader. With repeated recognition from CDP, MM Group continues to set the standard for environmental responsibility in packaging.
Pankaboard is excited to introduce the latest innovation in its specialty cartonboard portfolio. As of January 2025, both PankaKraft Amber and PankaKraft Polar will be available with Wet Strength (WS) properties, offering enhanced durability in humid conditions.
This development expands the possibilities for replacing fossil-based materials, particularly in tray applications where increased moisture resistance is essential. By strengthening its product offering, Pankaboard continues to support sustainable packaging solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry.
For more information, reach out to your local sales representative and discover how Pankaboard can enhance your packaging solutions.
entrusting the operational management of the cartonboard mills to Petersen and Xaver Weig. “I am confident that Mike Petersen’s deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in further developing our company,” said Moritz J. Weig.
Xaver Weig added, “His market expertise and strategic vision will help strengthen our position in the European packaging market.”
This leadership expansion reinforces WEIG Group’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation, positioning the company for a strong future in the evolving packaging industry.
RDM Group Enhances Recycled Cartonboard with Advanced Coating Technology
RDM Group is advancing its recycled cartonboard technology with new coating formulations and enhanced pigments, starting at its Arnsberg mill in Germany, with further expansions planned across its network. These improvements significantly boost brightness levels, ensuring sharper, more vibrant prints that help brands enhance product visibility and appeal. At Arnsberg, brightness has now reached 86%, creating a high-reflective surface ideal for packaging solutions like Serviliner and Flexoliner, used in retail displays, household goods, and electronics packaging. Beyond aesthetics, this innovation reinforces RDM’s commitment to sustainability, maintaining 100% recycled fiber content while enabling premium-quality printing. As part of its multi-mill strategy, RDM continues to refine its products, delivering eco-friendly, high-performance cartonboard that meets both consumer expectations and environmental standards.
Holmen's Workington Mill: A Leading Example of Sustainable Manufacturing
Nestled in Cumbria, near the Scottish border, Workington Mill stands as a world-class integrated pulp and paperboard facility, setting the benchmark for sustainable manufacturing. Since 2013, the mill has operated entirely on bioenergy, producing Holmen Board and Paper’s Incada folding box board, a product known for its high quality and environmental responsibility.
Recognised for its commitment to sustainability, Workington Mill has maintained EcoVadis’ highest rating—Platinum—since 2015. This independent assessment evaluates businesses worldwide on environmental impact, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. With only 1% of companies achieving this prestigious ranking, continuous improvement is key. “Sustainability is a moving target, and we must keep pushing forward,” explains Lorna Casson, Environment Engineer at Holmen Board and Paper.
Workington Mill’s latest EcoVadis assessment reflects improvements in supplier assessment, focusing on understanding upstream carbon footprints. “More companies are asking detailed sustainability questions, and EcoVadis provides an objective way to benchmark progress,” Casson adds. Sustainability is embedded in every aspect of the mill’s operations, from optimizing biofuel efficiency to exploring ways to reduce water consumption.
With a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, Workington Mill remains a leading force in sustainable paperboard production, proving that operational excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Burgo Group Celebrates Innovation at the Burgo Energy Awards 2024
Burgo Group proudly recognized the creativity and expertise of its employees at the Burgo Energy Awards 2024, an initiative aimed at fostering innovation and promoting sustainability across the company. This year’s competition focused on energy efficiency and sustainable solutions, with participation from nearly every Burgo site.
Employees from Toscolano, Sarego, and Avezzano, among others, submitted inventive proposals, collectively presenting solutions that could save approximately 7,200 MWh of electricity and over one million cubic meters of gas.
Recognizing Excellence in Energy Innovation Gold Award: Michele Trevisan (Sarego) – For optimizing gas ramp management at the Galleri boiler. Silver Award: Valentino Venditti (Sora) – For his pioneering heat recovery solution. Bronze Award: Davide Capito (Sarego) – For designing an innovative unified collector for the vacuum system.
The awards were presented by Burgo Group Chairman Alberto Marchi, CEO Ignazio Capuano, and Burgo Energia CEO Sassoli Luca. Highlighting the importance of employee-driven innovation, Capuano stated: “The creativity and ingenuity of our employees are a valuable asset. This competition demonstrates how innovation can emerge from those who truly understand our processes and are committed to improving them with practical, sustainable solutions.”
Following the success of this year’s event, Burgo Group has confirmed that the Burgo Energy Awards will continue in 2025, reinforcing its dedication to sustainability, efficiency, and a company-wide culture of innovation.
