The European carton packaging sector has reported an 8% decrease in cradle-to-gate fossil carbon emissions since 2021, according to data released by Pro Carton, the regional association representing cartonboard and packaging manufacturers.

The figures, published in Pro Carton’s 2025 Carbon Footprint of Carton Packaging Study, show that annual emissions have fallen from 929kg CO₂ equivalent per tonne to 854kg in 2024.

The research was carried out by the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) and independently verified by the Institut für Energie-und Umweltforschung (ifeu) in Germany.

Pro Carton stated that the findings support the use of carton packaging as a lower-carbon alternative for companies seeking substitutes for fossil-based materials.

The association also noted that this is providing verifiable data required to meet Scope 3 climate targets.

Covering results from 2021 to 2024, the report is based on information from facilities responsible for 60% of European cartonboard and 16% of folding carton production.

The sector’s cut in emissions has been primarily attributed to efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Between 2021 and 2024, European mills reduced the share of fossil energy used from 46% to 39%.

Increased use of wood-based biofuels and renewable heat allowed manufacturers to avoid around 60kg CO₂ equivalent per tonne.

Emissions linked to electricity purchased for mills and converting sites were also reduced by 29kg CO₂ equivalent per tonne, with a move towards low-carbon electricity.

The proportion of such energy purchased by surveyed mills rose from 23% in 2021 to 66% in 2024.

The report points out that fibre-based packaging, sourced from European forests under sustainable management practices, acts as a storage medium for atmospheric carbon dioxide.

The document also looks at the converting process, finding that it represents one-fifth of total emissions, but direct on-site emissions from activities such as print drying and heating account for 2%.