At the 4evergreen Annual Conference, we proudly announced the winners of this year’s Circularity Success Stories Awards, recognising outstanding projects that advance circular fibre-based packaging. These success stories demonstrate how collaboration and innovation can turn ambition into action.

🏅 Fibre-based packaging products designed for circularity:
ProducePack™ Punnet Tray – Graphic Packaging International
The ProducePack™ Punnet tray offers a sustainable alternative to PET trays. By replacing plastic trays for fresh produce at major European retailers, it eliminates 17 million plastic trays annually for berries at one UK retailer. With over 85% renewable fibre content, a CEPI recyclability score of 90, and compatibility with existing packing lines, it demonstrates that circularity can align with functionality and efficiency.

🏅 Projects or products supporting effective collection and sorting:
MM Paper Bottle – MM Group
The MM Paper Bottle offers a lightweight, sustainable approach to liquid packaging. Its cardboard body and mono-PE spouted pouch reduce reliance on fossil-based plastics while maintaining functionality. This design addresses recyclability challenges in traditional liquid packaging and sets a new standard for circular solutions in beverage packaging.

🏅 Projects or products enabling enhanced recycling processes:
Recyclability Evaluation Service – DS Smith
As fibre-based packaging expands, recyclability remains essential. DS Smith’s Recyclability Evaluation Service (RES) provides evidence-based recyclability scores using the CEPI methodology and 4evergreen’s protocol. In addition to testing, RES offers expert consultation to enhance packaging design for real-world recycling. Based at the UK’s largest recycled paper mill, this service connects innovation with infrastructure to help the industry achieve its 90% recycling target by 2030.

🏅 Projects or products that enhance innovation in fibre-base packaging:
Vinci Ecolaminate – RDM Group & Ecopol
Vinci Ecolaminate combines recycled cartonboard with biodegradable PVOH film to create a recyclable barrier for aroma-sensitive and food products. Recycled board has traditionally faced challenges in food packaging due to contamination risks. This laminate achieves Class A recyclability and resists oxygen, grease, and moisture, meeting functional requirements without compromising circularity. It demonstrates how material science can advance fibre-based packaging.

These projects show that progress is achievable when expertise and creativity combine, congratulations to all winners!