Ranpak announced the launch of its new GrasiKraft™paper void fill made with grass fibers. Ranpak is, as they claim, the first company in the world to offer grass paper as part of its standard product portfolio for void fill, which joins its innovative suite of products including automated packaging solutions and paper converters that can serve any application required within a box.
Made with a blend of sustainably harvested grass fibers and fibers from recycled paper sources, this paper combines the performance of Ranpak’s other paper varieties with the unique benefits offered by using grass as an additional fiber source. These benefits include reduced water consumed in the manufacturing process compared to other kraft paper void fill products, as well as the diversification of renewable fiber sources that can help contribute to the circularity of secondary packaging materials.
“We are thrilled to add GrasiKraft™ paper to our product offering. As our first commercially available paper material that uses grass as a fiber source, this milestone is an important step as Ranpak continues to evaluate the most sustainable materials possible. We believe that single-use packaging should be recyclable and come from renewable resources to protect our world for future generations, and the renewable qualities of grass as a material make it a perfect fit.” – Omar Asali, Chairman and CEO, Ranpak.
GrasiKraft™ is the result of a growing partnership with Creapaper to explore the use of grass as a sustainable fiber source for papermaking. The innovation process included comprehensive testing to produce a paper dunnage material that is strong enough to remain compatible with Ranpak’s existing converters while incorporating grass fibers.
Grass is a highly renewable resource, able to be harvested multiple times per year. GrasiKraft™ utilizes fibers from the margin areas of agricultural land, which can help minimize the travel distances from sourcing to processing while also maximizing the productive output of these areas. Grass can also be sourced from rewetted moor lands, helping to preserve valuable biodiverse habitats within Central Europe.
“Having switched to paper-based packaging materials some time ago to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, we see grass paper as an exciting step forward in both our dedication to the environment and to our customers’ unboxing experience,” said Stéphane Doerane, Logistic Services Manager at Multipharma, a Belgian distributor of pharmaceuticals for brick and mortar as well as online pharmacies. “We’ve been using GrasiKraft in our packaging now for a few months and it not only meets our performance standards but has a softer feel which has led to positive customer feedback.”
GrasiKraft™ paper provides a unique look and softer feel thanks to the visible grass fiber within its construction, helping to put commitment to sustainability front and center during the unboxing experience. Like all Ranpak paper, GrasiKraft™ is fully curbside recyclable and biodegradable, keeping packaging a part of the circular economy and helping to deliver a better world.