Introduction
As sustainability takes centre stage worldwide, both consumers and businesses increasingly seek out environmentally responsible products and practices. Within the packaging sector, cardboard tubes have garnered considerable attention for their recyclable properties and versatility. Here in the UK, cardboard tubes are in high demand across various industries, and at Just Paper Tubes, we focus on delivering high-quality, eco-friendly solutions. Yet for anyone in the paper industry, the journey towards net zero carbon emissions is complex—particularly when it comes to manufacturing the coreboard that underpins every cardboard tube.
Understanding Coreboard Production
Coreboard manufacturing typically begins with the use of recycled cardboard, which is mixed with hot water to form a suspension. This process removes impurities and transforms the fibres into a workable pulp. While using 100% recycled materials is an environmentally positive step, producing coreboard remains energy-intensive—especially during the drying phase, where the paper passes through steam-heated cylinders to reduce water content. Finishing, quality control, and rolling the sheet onto large reels complete this process. Variations in energy sources, raw materials, and production methods across different global suppliers mean there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ path to decarbonising coreboard manufacturing on a global scale.
The Path Towards Net Zero in the Paper Industry
Significant strides have already been made in reducing the carbon footprint of paper products. Many suppliers worldwide now prioritise 100% recycled fibres, while others integrate renewable energy sources such as biomass, solar, or wind into production. Data from the US demonstrates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of product, while Europe reports ongoing drops in carbon intensity. A 2015 study in the European cartonboard industry found an emission factor of 885 kg CO2 equivalent per tonne of converted cartonboard, whereas more recent figures suggest an even lower footprint for certain processes. The UK’s commitment to net zero, combined with evolving EU regulations and the upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), is set to further drive the push for cleaner production across the sector.
Despite these advancements, achieving net zero emissions for coreboard—and by extension, cardboard tubes UK—poses challenges. The drying process remains energy-demanding, and the transition away from fossil fuels to renewable sources is expensive and logistically complex. Moreover, switching raw materials or altering manufacturing methods must not compromise the strength and reliability required of cardboard tubes. As each coreboard supplier operates under different market conditions and regulatory frameworks, collaboration, investment, and ongoing research into innovative drying technologies and carbon capture solutions are essential to accelerate decarbonisation.
Innovative Approaches and Circular Economy Principles
To address the high energy demand, various approaches are being trialled and implemented, including:
Waste Heat Recovery Systems: Reusing heat from one stage of production for others.
Superheated Steam Drying: A potentially more efficient means of removing water from paper fibres.
Electrification of Processes: Using electric dryers and heat pumps to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Trapping and storing CO2 from production before it enters the atmosphere.
Circular Economy Models: Maximising the reuse of fibres, converting byproducts into useful materials or biofuels, and thus reducing waste.
While some of these technologies are still in early stages of development, they underscore the transformative potential within the paper industry.
Regulatory and Market Drivers in the UK
In the UK, stringent environmental regulations, carbon pricing, and the Net-Zero Strategy are key factors shaping the paper sector’s transition. The forthcoming CBAM is likely to increase the cost of high-carbon imports, encouraging global suppliers to adopt cleaner production methods if they want to remain competitive in the UK market. Meanwhile, consumer demand for sustainable packaging in the UK continues to rise. For any business that depends on cardboard tubes, partnering with suppliers committed to lowering emissions can provide both environmental and commercial advantages.
Why This Matters for Just Paper Tubes
At Just Paper Tubes, we specialise in supplying cardboard tubes UK that align with customers’ growing preference for sustainable packaging. We work closely with a diverse range of coreboard suppliers, monitoring their progress and investments in cleaner technologies. This collaboration helps to ensure the long-term structural integrity of our tubes while also supporting the industry-wide move towards lower carbon footprints. Ultimately, as net zero targets become increasingly stringent, businesses in the packaging supply chain will need to adapt—either by investing directly in green innovations or by sourcing from partners that do.
Conclusion
The paper industry, and particularly coreboard manufacturing, has come a long way in integrating recycled materials and renewable energy sources. However, much remains to be done to meet net zero ambitions. High energy demands in the drying process, the phased shift away from fossil fuels, varying supplier standards, and the challenge of funding large-scale technological overhauls all contribute to the complexity of achieving net zero. Encouragingly, new approaches—ranging from advanced drying techniques to carbon capture—hold promise for a more sustainable future. Government regulations and market pressures in the UK and Europe are accelerating these changes, prompting suppliers and manufacturers to adopt cleaner methods.
Here at Just Paper Tubes, our commitment to providing reliable, eco-friendly cardboard tubes UK goes hand in hand with encouraging our suppliers to pursue decarbonisation strategies. By closely tracking industry innovations and maintaining open communication with our partners, we aim to stay at the forefront of sustainable packaging. Whether you’re a business seeking greener packaging or simply an advocate for environmental progress, we invite you to join us in supporting a future where packaging leaves a lighter carbon footprint.
