Cellulose-based packaging is increasingly replacing plastic and fossil-based materials, and new EU requirements under the PPWR are imposing stricter standards for recycled content and recyclability. While cellulose fibres can theoretically be recycled many times, large quantities are lost after just a few cycles in practice due to inadequate sorting and material losses in the chain. To remain competitive, companies must optimise product performance and recyclability by using less raw material to make stronger corrugated cardboard, improving fibre grinding and handling recycled fibre more effectively. Failure to adapt could result in higher costs, lost market share and non-compliance when the PPWR requirements come into force.
We analyse the effect of recycled fibre on quality and processes, help you adapt to PPWR requirements through life cycle assessment (LCA) analyses and regulatory advice, and develop new solutions such as nanocellulose. In our ISTA-certified transport laboratory, we verify that corrugated cardboard and packaging can withstand creep, moisture and stress throughout the distribution chain. RISE can support you throughout the entire process, from wood and fibre properties, to production, fibre grinding, recycling, and the optimisation of recycled fibre. In our pilot plants, we test fibre modification, pulp preparation and new processes on a large scale to develop stronger paper with reduced material consumption.
RISE brings together expertise in fibre modification, pulp preparation, recycled fibre and recyclability. Our experts combine material knowledge with process understanding to help you optimise performance, reduce material consumption and adapt to PPWR's circularity requirements.
Transport testing according to ISTA – International Safe Transit Association
The laboratory at the RISE Packaging Excellence Centre is ISTA certified and is one of the most well-equipped and advanced laboratories in the Nordic region for transport simulation.
New EU requirements create business opportunities for fibre recycling
Cellulose fibres in paper and cardboard can be recycled over and over again, but in practice, many fibres disappear from the system after just a few cycles. There is now increasing pressure to optimise recycling.
– From wood and fibre through pulp preparation and production to recycling and recycled fibre, we cover all stages with pilot plants and expertise.
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Optimisation of material consumption
– We develop stronger paper through fibre grinding and fibre modification, which reduces raw material consumption and improves performance.
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PPWR adaptation and circularity
– Advice on recyclability, analysis of recycled fibre, LCA studies and strategies to comply with the EU's new packaging regulation.
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Full-scale pilot trials
– Test and demo facilities for nanocellulose, fibre refining, water management and process development provide you with a secure basis for industrial investments.
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Transport testing and performance
– ISTA-certified laboratory where we test corrugated cardboard for creep, moisture and load to ensure protection throughout the distribution chain.
Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces):Analysis of AKD in food contact materials (FCM)Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):
Dialkyl diketene dimers (AKD) are used in the paper industry to add hydrophobicity to paper. Unbound AKD can get hydrolyzed to dialkylketones, which can potentially migrate to fatty foods from food packaging.
Purpose/Benefit:
Dialkylketones have limitations according to BfR XXXVI.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
We offer analysis of dialkylketones from AKD in solvent extract according to SS-EN 15519.
We also offer analysis of dialkylketones from AKD in coffee and in coffee with milk. For analysis in other type of foods, send request.
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):
The results will be compiled in an analysis report.
Cellulose fibres in paper and board can be recycled over and over again, but in practice many fibres disappear from the system after a few cycles. There is now increasing pressure to optimise recycling. Companies that act in time can achieve both cost savings and competitive advantages.
Today, a significant proportion of cellulose fibres is lost after only a few recycling cycles. This is primarily due to material losses resulting from inadequate collection, rough sorting and inefficient processing, rather than the properties of the fibres themselves. In the future, the entire system will need to be optimised, not least because the EU's new PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulation is gradually coming into force.
– This will introduce new requirements regarding the recycled content and recyclability of packaging. While this may require companies in the industry to invest, there are also commercial advantages to adapting to the new rules, says Anna Sjöstedt, Researcher and Project Manager at RISE.
One of the most important issues to address is material loss throughout the recycling chain.
– A cellulose fibre often disappears from the value chain long before it becomes unusable. In laboratory studies, where losses can be avoided, it is possible to recycle the fibres many more times. As more packaging is set to be recycled, it is crucial that we grasp how to minimise material losses, she concludes.
Sorting needs to be improved
There are losses at several points in the recycling process. One of the problems is that some materials are not collected at all.
– Compared to other materials, paper and cardboard have a high recycling rate, but there is clearly room for improvement, says Peter Hansen, Senior Researcher at RISE.
However, even if consumers were to become better at taking their packaging to recycling stations and centres, a new challenge would arise.
– At present, the sorting is too coarse for us to optimise recycling. For example, packaging with certain plastic components needs to be handled differently to packaging made of pure corrugated cardboard, he says.
When the process needs to accommodate a variety of materials, it becomes unnecessarily difficult, resulting in fibres being lost and worn away.
– Efforts have been made to make it easy for consumers, but in the future, we will probably need to think of recycled packaging as a raw material that needs to be sorted more effectively from the outset, says Peter Hansen.
Efforts have been made to make it easy for consumers, but in the future, we will probably need to think of recycled packaging as a raw material that needs to be sorted more effectively from the outset
Peter Hansen, Senior Researcher at RISE
Better reporting is required
Among other things, the new PPWR Regulation will impose new requirements for the increased use of recycled plastic materials in packaging. Producers must also improve their reporting of material content and the labelling of end products to facilitate consumer recycling.
– The rules are becoming stricter in various areas and will gradually tighten over the coming years. I believe there could be major benefits to harmonising the requirements within the EU, as this would facilitate the development of technical and logistical solutions, says Anna Sjöstedt.
Consumers choose sustainability
Many large companies also have their own sustainability goals that they expect their suppliers to adhere to, and many consumers consider sustainability when choosing products.
– Producers who adopt new directives early on can, of course, also reduce the risk of time pressure and manufacturing disruptions, says Peter Hansen.
He believes that the natural first step for many companies will be to conduct a technical analysis of their product portfolio, identifying which products can remain competitive without compromising quality or functionality.
– This is something we at RISE help many companies with. Thanks to our test and demonstration facilities and our expertise, we can clearly demonstrate how properties are affected when a certain amount of recycled fibre is added, for example, he says.
Concrete tests of the process
Anna Sjöstedt emphasises the importance of conducting concrete trials.
– At RISE, we have both laboratories and pilot environments, so, in addition to theory, we can answer questions such as which processes handle recycled fibres best or how a change in raw material flows affects process water quality and how water management and chemical additive use need to be adapted, she says.
Another service in demand at RISE during such transitions is life cycle analyses using LCA tools to study climate impact.
– In parallel with the analyses, it can be valuable to bring in our regulatory experts, who can advise on the adjustments required based on the PPWR rules, says Anna Sjöstedt.
This is PPWR
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is an EU regulation which came into force at the start of 2025. The rules will be implemented gradually in member states.
The overall objectives are to reduce packaging waste, increase recycling, and promote a more circular economy.
One of the requirements is that all packaging must be at least 70% recyclable by 2030.
Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces):Certified Graphic Production (CGP) – ISO 12647 Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):
ISO 12647 is an international standard that defines process control for color reproduction in the printing industry. It ensures that printed materials have consistent color reproduction, regardless of where or how they are produced.
Purpose/Benefit:
Certified Graphic Production (CGP) is an adaptation of ISO 12647 developed by the Swedish Graphic Media Association (SGM). It allows printing companies to work according to international color standards, but with Swedish-language documentation and clear requirements.
A central principle of CGP is that all measurement and quality control are carried out internally, which requires that the staff have the right knowledge and routines.
The certification includes seven elements:
Viewing light and ambient light
Digital material (reception, control, preparation)
Monitors for color viewing
Paper-based proofing
Plate making
Printing process
Quality follow-up
Having an existing quality management system according to ISO 9001 makes it easier to implement CGP:
Structured processes already exist
Focus on measurement and improvement fits CGP's requirements
Clear division of responsibilities and competence management
Documentation and traceability facilitate certification
Effective integration into the existing management system
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):
When the organization meets the requirements for certification of management systems for graphic production according to ISO 12647, a certificate can be issued.
The pulp and paper industry in Europe produces 17 million tonnes of lignin every year. However, only two per cent is used for purposes other than energy production. The EU project LIGNOFUN aims to address this issue by developing bio-based products from lignin, thereby promoting a more sustainable and circular economy.
LIGNOFUN brings together 18 partners from across Europe – including leading research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises, and major industrial players – to transform kraft lignin and black liquor, two abundant by-products of the pulp and paper industry, into high-performance, sustainable functional products.
The project aims to convert these underutilised streams into valuable aromatic compounds that are currently sourced from fossil-based materials by leveraging two cutting-edge lignin depolymerisation technologies. These bio-based ingredients will serve as essential building blocks for various applications, including foams, coatings, adhesives, wood panels, composites, personal care products, rubber antioxidants and nylon.
The project aims to demonstrate that not only can lignin-based materials match, but even outperform, fossil-based alternatives, while being better for the environment and reducing our dependence on finite resources. However, it’s not just about technology. LIGNOFUN also considers economic viability, societal benefits and regulatory aspects to ensure that the solutions are sustainable, safe and ready for large-scale deployment.
From side streams to value – LIGNOFUN’s mission for a greener industry
LIGNOFUN aims to utilise kraft lignin and black liquor, two underutilised by-products of the pulp and paper industry that are currently mostly burned for energy. By converting these by-products into sustainable, high-performance materials, we can replace substances derived from fossil fuels and contribute to a more circular, bio-based economy in Europe.
To achieve this, the project has three clear objectives combining innovation, sustainability and industrial benefit throughout the entire lignin valorisation process:
Scalable Lignin Utilisation: Develop smart and cost-effective methods to extract and refine lignin into pure, aromatic building blocks.
New bio-based products: Create and test prototypes of products such as foams, adhesives, coatings, composites, nylon, wood panels and cosmetics, and prove that they perform at least as well as today's fossil-based alternatives.
Sustainability all the way: Evaluate the environmental, economic, and social impacts of lignin-based products, to ensure they are both competitive and fit for a future free from fossil dependency.
RISE’s role and mission
As coordinator of the LIGNOFUN project, RISE plays a central role in achieving the project's ambition of transforming kraft lignin and black liquor into sustainable, high-value functional products. With a mission to promote industrial innovation and the bioeconomy, RISE is responsible for the project's strategic and technical leadership, ensuring scientific excellence, effective collaboration and alignment with the EU’s climate and circularity goals.
RISE contributes a wide range of expertise and is responsible for several key areas within the project
Project management: RISE oversees the project as a whole, coordinating collaboration between partners, managing dialogue with the EU and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
Smart Data Management: RISE is developing a data management strategy to ensure that knowledge is shared securely and openly in line with FAIR principles.
Lignin processing: A crucial task is refining lignin-based compounds to prepare them for use in subsequent processes. RISE purifies lignin-derived monoaromatics (LDMAs) by removing acids and salts to prepare them for microbial conversion in subsequent processes.
Microorganism and Fermentation Development: RISE develops and optimizes bacterial strains that convert lignin compounds into valuable building blocks – both in laboratory settings and at larger scales.
Green Chemical Conversion: Once the microbial processes have finished, RISE converts one of the main intermediate chemicals (ccMA) into adipic acid, which is a bio-based ingredient used in advanced plastics.
Economics and sustainability: RISE evaluates the economic viability and societal relevance of the developed value chains through techno-economic analysis (TEA) and social sustainability and business development (SSBD).
The RISE research environments make all this possible. Within Bioeconomy Arena in Örnsköldsvik, for example, RISE provides advanced infrastructure for fermentation and microbial development, as well as reactors designed with industrial safety in mind. In Södertälje, RISE contributes expertise in chemical catalysis. Together, these environments form a robust foundation for scientific advancement and sustainable innovation throughout the LIGNOFUN project.
Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces):Low pressure / high altitude testLead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):
The laboratory at RISE is certified by ISTA and is one of the most well equipped and advanced laboratories in all of Scandinavia for testing packaging. We carry out tests according to international standards, to ensure the performance of the packaging.
Purpose/Benefit:
The test is performed to evaluate how pressure, due to high altitude, affects products or packaging during, for example, transportation. This can be done both during design development or to verify a finished design.
Vacuum testing can also be used to detect leaks in packaging, such as vials, which can be an effect of high altitude.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
The test is performed in a vacuum chamber of dimension 1250 x 900 x 1300 mm and with a working range between atmospheric pressure, 1000 mbar, and down to 70 mbar.
595 mbar is commonly used when the test method is included in transport tests, which corresponds to the pressure at an altitude of 4267 meters.
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):
Report received after completion of testing.
Delivery time:
The delivery time is approximately 2 - 4 weeks depending on the selected test method and number of packages to be tested.
Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces):ASTM D7386 Testing of Packages for Single Parcel Delivery Systems Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):
The laboratory at RISE is certified by ISTA and is one of the most well equipped and advanced laboratories in all of Scandinavia. We specialize in simulating various transport conditions according to international standards to ensure that your packaging protects the product all the way through its distribution cycle.
Purpose/Benefit:
Transport tests not only ensure that your packaging protects the products that it holds but also that it can live up to the various exacting demands during a part or the entirely of the transport cycle.
Transport tests can help the process to optimize the packaging for cost, choice of material, amount of material etc.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
This test is used to evaluate smaller individual packages that occur within, for example, the e-commerce distribution chain.
A test may include the following sequences depending on the type of packaging system and transport chain:
Climate test
Drop test
Vibration test with and without top load
Low pressure test
Concentrated impact test
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):
Report of results along with detailed test protocol.
Delivery time:
The tests take about 2 – 4 weeks to perform depending on chosen test methods and number of packages to be tested.
Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces):Visual Inspection of Seals for Flexible Packaging Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):
The laboratory at RISE is certified by ISTA and is one of the most well equipped and advanced laboratories in Scandinavia for testing packaging. We carry out tests according to international standards, to ensure the performance of the packaging. Visual inspection is performed to ensure package integrity.
Purpose/Benefit:
Visual Inspection is performed to provide evidence of package integrity and identify any production sealing problems. Visual Inspection is usually followed by subsequent tests such as for example Seal Strength, Dye Penetration and Bubble Leak test.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
The visual inspection is performed using controlled lighting that illuminates any defects in the seal. The defects identified can then be evaluated for their impact on the integrity of the package.
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):
Report received after completion of testing.
Delivery time:
Testing is carried out in accordance to a common set schedule.
Name of service (page headline, shown in promos – maximum of 70 characters incl. spaces):Paper – Mechanical properties (ISO 1924-2, ISO 5626, ISO 1974)Lead (include SEO-words and the main benefits for your target groups. Stick to one paragraph, maximum 2-3 sentences):
Mechanical properties of paper in the form of tensile testing (ISO 1924-2), tearing resistance (ISO 1974), and folding endurance (ISO 5626) are three measures of paper strength. These methods are important for evaluation in other standards, e.g. the paper permanence (ISO 9706, ISO 11108) and permanence of writing and printing on paper (ISO 11798).
Purpose/Benefit:
The purpose of the tests is usually to investigate potential negative impacts on the mechanical strength of the paper after some form of exposure, such as accelerated ageing at elevated temperature and humidity in a climate chamber. The paper’s strength is tested before and after exposure. They can also be used to examine minimum strength requirements for the paper.
Method (what/which methods are used to perform the service):
Most types of paper, such as fine paper or kraft paper, can be tested according to the standards. Typically, both the machine direction and the cross direction of the paper are tested, as most papers have different strengths in different directions. Testing can be performed on both unaged paper and paper that has been subjected to accelerated ageing in a climate chamber (or other exposure).
Tensile Testing (Tensile Energy Absorption) (ISO 1924-2)
Paper strips are pulled in a tensile tester at a constant pulling speed. The force (N) and elongation (mm) are recorded, and from these parameters, tensile strength (kN/m) and tensile energy absorption (J/m²) are calculated.
Folding Endurance (ISO 5626)
By folding paper strips in a folding tester, the number of double folds is counted. From the double folds, the folding number and folding endurance can be calculated.
Tearing Resistance (ISO 1974)
Tearing resistance indicates the force (mN) required to tear a piece of paper. By tearing paper pieces in a tearing tester, the tearing resistance can be determined.
The standards are important in the following testing:
Archival durability of writing materials (ISO 11798): Tensile testing and folding endurance
Archival durability of paper (ISO 11108): Tearing resistance and folding endurance
Stability of paper (ISO 20494) and permanence of paper (ISO 9706): Tearing resistance
All three tests can, of course, be performed directly on paper, independently of other standards.
All mechanical strength testing of paper is conducted in a controlled climate (23°C and 50% RH).
Accreditation
The testing activities for mechanical properties of paper maintain high quality through accreditation according to SS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018.
Delivery (what does the client get after performed service – e.g. a report, certificate etc.):
