4evergreen about

who we are

4evergreen is a cross-industry alliance dedicated to perfecting the circularity of fibre-based packaging.
Our members include more than 110 organisations from across the value chain, such as pulp, paper and board manufacturers, packaging producers and converters, brand owners, retailers, recyclers, waste managers, and research institutions.
Together, we are working to ensure that fibre-based packaging plays a leading role in a climate neutral and sustainable society.
Our ambition is bold and measurable. We aim to achieve a 90% recycling rate for fibre-based packaging in Europe by end 2030.

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Fibre-based packaging, from paper cups to cardboard boxes, already makes up around 38% of all packaging on the European market. As this variety continues to grow, we are paying special attention to packaging types that currently face greater challenges in circularity, particularly those used in households, out-of-home settings, and on-the-go consumption.
Together, we are accelerating the development of new technologies to overcome sorting and recycling challenges and unlock the full potential of circular packaging.

• our 2025 targets

To stay on track for our 2030 goal, we have set four clear targets to reach by 2025:
 
  • The fibre-based packaging industry recognises and applies 4evergreen’s recyclability evaluation protocol and circularity by design guidelines.
  • Separate collection streams are available for all fibre-based packaging types, including those used in households, out-of-home, and on-the-go settings.
  • All paper for recycling is sorted according to the EN643 standard categories for paper and board.
  • 100% of collected fibre-based packaging is recycled

our Brochure!

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our 2024 Annual Report!

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our 3rd Anniversary Report!

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how we operate

Our members collaborate through three technical workstreams, which develop tools and guidance to improve the sustainability and circularity of fibre-based packaging. An additional Information & Outreach workstream ensures that our results reach the right audiences and that we stay aligned with policy developments.

Workstream Standardisation makes sure that 4evergreen is aligned with the latest CEN standards and regulations, and finally workstream Data Set has been set up to create robust and data-driven insights to deliver evidence-based proof points, while monitoring the 4evergreen targets.
Our Steering Group provides strategic direction.
4evergreen is hosted by Cepi, the Confederation of European Paper Industries, which provides strategic and operational support to help drive the alliance’s mission forward.

WS-1

recyclability evaluation protocol

"circularity by design" guidelines

WS-2

WS-3

guidance for collection and sorting

future innovation

WS

WS

standardisation

information & outreach

WS

WS

data set

Workstream 1: Recyclability Evaluation Protocol

This workstream is creating a harmonised, publicly available protocol to assess the recyclability of fibre-based packaging. It builds on three laboratory test methods that reflect different recycling processes: conventional, flotation-deinking, and specialised. Version 1 was published in January 2025. Future updates will incorporate industry feedback to ensure continuous improvement.
The protocol provides consistent, comparable insights that feed into the guidelines developed by other workstreams.
Download the latest version here

Workstream 2: Circularity by Design Guideline

Our experts are developing design guidelines to ensure that new fibre-based packaging is created with circularity in mind from the outset. The Guideline, now in its third version, was released in October 2024. It helps companies design packaging compatible with recycling systems.

The primary purpose of the document is to explain how different parameters, elements and materials of fibre-based packaging impact recycling processes and subsequent pulping reject recovery.

Download  the latest version here 

Workstream 3: Guidance on Improved Collection and Sorting

This workstream has reviewed European best practices to support our 90% recycling rate goal.
The Guidance provides recommendations written based on best practices, which are intended to aid the implementation of future collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure, to meet EU legal requirements.
Version 3, released in November 2024, introduced new chapters on organic contamination, sorting technologies, and recycling systems for hospitality and on-the-go use.

Download the latest version here

Workstream : Future Innovation

The aim of this WS is driving system-level innovation to future-proof fibre-based packaging. By cultivating bold ideas and agile collaboration, the WS responds to growing demands for planet-positive solutions, laying the groundwork for a circular transformation across the value chain.

Workstream : Standardisation

This WS ensures that 4evergreen deliverables are taken into consideration in standardisation that shapes the future of packaging. It engages with bodies like CEN and aligning with EU regulation, as it helps embed circularity principles into design norms, making 4evergreen’s approach the industry benchmark.

Workstream : Information & Outreach

This WS helps build the narrative and tools that connect 4evergreen with industry, policymakers, and the public. By translating technical insights into compelling messages, it positions the Alliance as a trusted voice in circular fibre-based packaging, raising awareness, sparking engagement, and amplifying impact.

Workstream : Data Set

Colleagues working in this WS collect, consolidate, and analyse data to generate evidence-based insights that guide strategy and track progress. The work supports outreach, informs decision-making, and ensures 4evergreen’s impact is measurable, credible, and future-ready.

governance and coordination

Our members meet regularly through the Sponsors’ Council, the alliance’s General Assembly. Leaders from relevant European industry associations and initiatives may also be invited to join our Industry Association Advisory Board.

The Steering Group represents all segments of the fibre-based packaging value chain. It sets the strategic direction, approves new workstreams, and monitors progress to ensure we stay on course.

Our Secretariat, hosted by the Cepi Secretariat, manages 4evergreen’s day-to-day operations. Led by the Programme Director, the team coordinates internal communication, ensures quality control for external messaging, and supports the smooth functioning of all workstreams.

steering group

Members of 4evergreen’s Steering Group represent all the business segments of this unique 360° alliance.

Susan Brunner

Co-Chair (Mondi Group)

Tytti Peltonen

Co-Chair (Metsä Group)

secretariat

4evergreen is hosted at the Cepi Secretariat and managed by the 4evergreen Program Director.

Susanne Haase

Program Director

Giulia Fadini

Program Manager

Michele Rattotti

Project Manager

Zeineb Ayari

Project Assistant