RISE study sets first carbon footprint benchmark for European paper bags
The Swedish research institute RISE has published the first cradle-to-gate carbon footprint benchmark for European paper carrier bags, commissioned by the industry platform The Paper Bag. The study, reflecting 2024 market and technology conditions, measured three representative bag types at 16.6 to 82.9 grams of CO2 equivalent each, with paper production accounting for about 67 percent of emissions. The benchmark is intended to give retailers and brand owners data to support packaging decisions and to let the industry track progress over time.
Why this mattersA documented emissions baseline strengthens the paper bag industry's case against plastic alternatives and gives retailers a reference point for packaging choices.
- RISE measured cradle-to-gate fossil carbon footprints of 16.6g, 45.6g and 82.9g CO2e for small, medium and large paper bags
- Paper production accounts for about 67% of the cradle-to-gate footprint; the rest comes from glues, inks, converting-plant electricity and transport
- On 2024 German Environment Agency data, the three bags equal roughly 100m, 280m and 500m of car travel
- The study covers MG and MF kraft paper and finished bags, mostly virgin-fibre paper from CEPI Eurokraft members
- CEPI Eurokraft's ten member companies produce 3m tonnes of paper in 11 countries
- EUROSAC members make about 5 billion paper sacks a year from 630,000 tonnes of paper at 55 plants in 20 countries