Forestry, paper & packaging

Emerging technologies are reshaping the forestry, paper, and packaging sectors, enabling companies to boost operational efficiency and sustainability. By partnering with SOSA, industry leaders leverage innovations like automation, digital tools, and bio-based materials to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and meet evolving consumer demands.

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Innovation in forestry, paper, and packaging

The paper & pulp industry, a cornerstone of the bioeconomy, has a profound impact on the lives of billions worldwide through essential paper products and sustainable packaging solutions.

As the global movement toward a circular economy accelerates, the industry is at the forefront of innovation, developing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.

This shift reshapes how paper is produced, how forestry operations are managed and how resources are utilized. From the digitalization and automation of forestry operations to the creation of biofuels from forest residues, carbon capture solutions, and plastic alternatives made from sustainable materials, the paper & pulp industry is embracing a new era.

By valorizing waste, advancing smart paper applications, and exploring biobased, biodegradable packaging technologies, this sector plays a vital role in the transition toward a greener, more sustainable future for industries and consumers alike.

Forestry, paper & packaging technology trends

Forestry Digitalization

Digital twins, satellite and drone technologies, and machinery automation to reduce costs, environmental impact, and optimize human resources and capital.

Biofuels

Production of sustainable aviation and marine fuels from forestry and agricultural practices to process waste into low-carbon fuels.

Cellulose-based chemicals

Utilization of waste materials like black liquor or lignin to produce biocomposites, carbon fibers, adhesives, chemicals, and cellulose-based plastics.

Biochar and syngas

Thermochemical conversion techniques to convert forest residues and pulp-mill waste into biochar and syngas for soil amendment and as sustainable fuel.

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Use Cases

Biochar

By utilizing the potential of biochar, sustainable forest management and resource utilization are transformed. Biochar enhances soil quality, improves water retention, and promotes plant growth, all while sequestering carbon. Additionally, biochar holds promise as a fossil fuel replacement in industries beyond paper and pulp, driving broader decarbonization efforts. Through its application in forest ecosystems, sustainability is significantly improved, waste is reduced, and innovative pathways in bio-based materials are explored, positioning companies at the forefront of the bioeconomy revolution

The impact:

increase in soil health and tree growth from biochar soil amendments

30%

reduction in water usage for forest management through improved water retention

40%

decrease in carbon emissions due to biochar carbon sequestration

50%

improvement in pollutant filtration from water sources with biochar applications

enhancement in composting efficiency when using biochar as a composite additive

25%

potential energy cost savings through biochar as a fossil fuel replacement for industrial processes

Biofuel

Biofuels from forestry waste are reshaping the energy landscape by providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels for marine and aviation sectors. These biofuels, derived from the byproducts of forestry operations, offer a carbon-neutral solution that reduces reliance on traditional fuels and significantly cuts greenhouse gas emissions. Particularly in the marine and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industries, biofuels are gaining traction as a key driver in global decarbonization efforts. With increasing regulatory pressure and corporate sustainability goals, the demand for biofuels is projected to grow exponentially, positioning forestry waste as a critical resource in the transition to cleaner energy.

The impact:

30%

reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when using SAF from forestry waste

50%

decrease in lifecycle carbon emissions compared to conventional marine fuels

25%

lower fuel costs in aviation when utilizing SAF

increase in waste-to-fuel conversion efficiency in forestry waste biofuel production

20%

projected growth in demand for marine biofuels by 2030

boost in sustainable fuel production capacity using forestry waste

Recyclable Packaging Barriers

Novel paper packaging barrier technologies are revolutionizing the paper industry by enabling the transition to fully biobased and biodegradable packaging products. These innovative barriers, derived from natural materials, replace traditional plastic and synthetic coatings, offering the same protective qualities while being completely compostable and eco-friendly. Paper companies are adopting these technologies to meet increasing regulatory demands and consumer preferences for sustainable packaging. As biobased barrier technologies continue to advance, they present a critical solution in the shift toward circular economy practices, helping to reduce plastic waste and enhance product sustainability.

The impact:

40%

reduction in plastic use by replacing traditional coatings with biobased barriers

25%

improvement in recyclability rates for packaging products using biodegradable barriers

increase in demand for fully biodegradable packaging materials in the next decade

20%

cost reduction in waste disposal due to compostable packaging

15%

projected growth in revenue for companies adopting biobased packaging technologies

50%

decrease in the carbon footprint of packaging through the use of biobased barriers

Forestry Automation

Automation, mechanization, and digitalization are transforming forestry operations through the integration of robots, drones, mapping technologies, and advanced inventory management. These innovations allow for more efficient resource management, precision in inventory mapping, and proactive forest fire prevention and fighting. By deploying drones for aerial surveys, robots for tree planting and harvesting, and AI-driven mapping systems, forestry companies can enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve environmental sustainability. The use of digital tools and automated systems is critical in ensuring the long-term health and productivity of forests, while also minimizing human risk in dangerous operations like fire management.

The impact:

30%

increase in operational efficiency through the use of automated forestry equipment

40%

reduction in human labor required for inventory mapping and forest maintenance

50%

improvement in response times for forest fire detection and prevention using drones

60%

reduction in tree planting time through the use of robotics

20%

decrease in resource waste due to precision mapping and mechanization

improvement in accuracy for forest inventory management using AI and digital tools

How we serve the forestry, paper, and packaging industry's unique needs

Open innovation for forestry, paper, and packaging