Etiket Schiller GmbH, Plüderhausen, has added grass paper labels to its sustainable portfolio. The new material consists of 50 per cent sun-dried grass fibre and 50 per cent FSC-certified cellulose. By using this material, CO2-emissions and water consumption per pack have been significantly reduced.
The grass paper is produced from Hay from meadows in the Swabian Alb biosphere reserve. Just a few kilometres away from the meadows in Lenningen, the traditional Scheufelen paper mill which developed the grass paper and produces it in various qualities.
"Local sourcing is an important factor for a sustainable economic cycle. We are therefore very proud that we have now found a local partner in Scheufelen, who supplies us with an extremely environmentally friendly labelling paper. The material is ideal for brands and products from which end consumers expect a particularly comprehensive sustainability concept,“ explains Gunther Schiller, Managing Director of Etiket Schiller.
Compared to virgin fibre pulps, the CO2-emissions are 50 per cent lower and 50 per cent less water is used in production. The labels are ISEGA and FSC-Mix certified and are suitable for labelling products from the food, beverage and cosmetics industries and beyond.
Excellent eco-values
While the otherwise good eco-balance of FSC-certified cellulose papers is offset by the CO2-emissions, this is not the case with Etiket Schiller's grass paper labels. Scheufelen has also developed a production process in which the Use of process chemicals halved. As grass fibres contain hardly any lignin, they can be fully mechanically processed. Due to the low chemical load, the grass paper is also fully recyclable.
The hay is harvested from areas that are not suitable for fodder or food production, but can be put to economic use. The meadows are also important for the preservation of biodiversity.
„In Etiket Schiller, we have found a partner for this innovative paper that credibly combines the highest level of processing expertise with the demand for Sustainability connects. The close proximity to our production facility is another plus point for sustainability,“ explains Christian Hartmann, responsible for sales and marketing at Scheufelen.
Versatile in use
The new labelling material can be printed in the same way as conventional materials. The pleasant feel and special look of the paper can be used to support and emphasise the brand identity. The grass paper is certified for use in the food and beverage industry. It is also intended for use with suitable products from the natural cosmetics industry.
[infotext icon]Etiket Schiller specialises in the production of self-adhesive labels, labelling, stickers and type plates for industry, trade and medicine. Since 2016, the company has been pursuing a comprehensive sustainability concept, both for the company and for the labels, from procurement to disposal. The company is certified according to ISO 14001 and DIN EN ISO 9001:2015[/infotext].
