Huhtamaki Closes the Loop for Resource Conservation

Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Europe (Huhtamaki), a multinational manufacturer of packaging material such as egg cartons, fruit trays and cup carriers,  has expanded its Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody (CoC) certification to include its entire European operations, driven by its policy of sourcing 100% recycled fiber from pre-and post-consumer sources, including its own used products. SCS Global Services (SCS), a global third-party certification body, assessed Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Europe’s ten sites, covering operations in The Netherlands, France, Northern Ireland and The Czech Republic, to confirm conformance to the FSC Reclaimed Standard for recycled sources.

“Huhtamaki’s recycling policy represents a sound and progressive business strategy that helps reduce pressure on forested environments,” said Robert J. Hrubes, SCS Executive Vice President. “Sourcing  post-consumer recycled fiber means that Huhtamaki can utilize its own products, post use, as a feedstock: a truly closed-loop system.”

Huhtamaki began its commitment to using pre- and post-consumer recycled fiber in 2012 with a multi-site FSC Reclaimed certification covering its Netherlands operations. The decision to expand FSC certification to all European sites means that Huhtamaki is now manufacturing all its packaging products in part from waste collected from households across Europe. FSC-certified egg cartons and other Huhtamaki packaging materials, bearing the FSC Recycled or FSC Mix labels, can be found in leading European retail stores. 

“We are working in close partnership with municipalities and waste collectors throughout Europe to reclaim our used packaging waste, helping to lighten the load on landfills while saving resources,” said Annalien Hanje, FSC Coordinator of Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Europe.

The FSC Reclaimed certification is just one part of Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Europe’s sustainability strategy. Almost all of the water that goes into the molded fiber manufacturing process gets reused: another closed loop in Huhtamaki’s operations. Huhtamaki has also implemented multiple ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 9001 procedures at its sites, resulting in greater efficiency and resource optimization.

About Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Europe:
The Huhtamaki Group is a leading manufacturer of consumer and specialty packaging with 2013 net sales totaling EUR 2.3 billion. Foodservice and consumer goods markets are served by approximately 14,400 people in 61 manufacturing units and several sales offices in 30 countries. Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Europe operates in The Netherlands, France, Northern Ireland and the Czech Republic, and serves customers across Europe. Learn more at: http://www2.huhtamaki.com/web/molded-fiber

About SCS Global Services:
SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for three decades. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more. SCS is a chartered benefit corporation in the State of California, and a Certified B Corp™, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices.