Replacing plastics in packaging
The shift away from plastics in packaging
Regulation, EPR fees, retailer requirements, and sustainability targets are driving companies to reassess where plastics are used in their packaging. Fiber-based materials offer practical ways to reduce plastics while maintaining protection, performance, and brand experience.
Where fiber can replace plastics today
We support the development of fiber alternatives for commonly plastic-dependent formats:
- Ovenable food trays
- Fiber-based alternative to Styrofoam
- Fish boxes with reduced plastic
- Paper-based tubes for cosmetics
- Renewable barriers coatings
- Fiber carriers replacing plastic wrap in beverage multipacks
Webinar - Packaging decisions in 2026: How retail and regulatory priorities are redefining material choice
Download the guidebook: Material shift – Replacing plastics in food packaging
A guide to replacing plastics in food packaging, offering insights that support broader material-shift decisions.
Fiber solutions shaped by performance needs
As PPWR, retailer criteria, and internal sustainability goals evolve, fiber has become relevant in more applications — including sensitive foods. Our materials provide renewable, high-performing foundations that help reduce dependence on conventional plastics while meeting requirements for product protection, shelf-life, and efficient production.
Packaging expertise that supports the transition away from plastics
Design and development for plastic-to-fiber transitions
Plastic often remains in packaging for visibility or historical reasons rather than true functional need. Modern fiber materials now enable redesigns that maintain protection and strengthen shelf appeal.
Our design team supports customers in:
- Replacing blister packs and visibility formats with fiber alternatives
- Achieving high-quality print, colour accuracy, and tactile effects
- Integrating built-in tamper-evidence features without plastic wrapping
- Developing and testing fiber concepts through prototyping and validation
- Preparing solutions aligned with regulatory and sustainability requirements
Expert support for packaging compliance and circularity
Packaging teams face increasing demands related to recyclability, environmental performance, and regulation. We provide expertise to help integrate these requirements into your packaging decisions — learn more about our sustainability and compliance capabilities.
Reference cases with real-world impact
Our approach: Innovation in renewable packaging
Stora Enso is at the forefront of developing lightweight fiber-based solutions that substitute plastic without compromising performance. Our innovations include:
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