Holmen unveils ultra-light kraftliner for eco-friendly packaging

SWEDEN – Swedish paper manufacturer Holmen Board and Paper has introduced Holmen Elevate, a new lightweight kraftliner aimed at reducing material use in corrugated packaging.

Available in 72gsm, 82gsm and 92gsm variants, it stands as the lightest option currently on the market. 

Produced at the company’s Braviken Paper Mill, the kraftliner draws on fresh fibres from sustainably managed forests. 

The mill’s supply chain incorporates pulpwood and wood chips from an adjacent sawmill, promoting efficient resource use.

According to company details, Holmen Elevate provides water resistance and full recyclability, making it suitable for shelf-ready displays, e-commerce shipments and direct food contact applications. 

Its CO₂ emissions sit 80% below the European average for the board and paper sector, based on cradle-to-gate measurements. 

This low footprint stems from the mill’s operations, which prioritize energy recovery and minimal waste.

Holmen Board and Paper CEO Lars Lundin stated that the product merges low weight with strong performance, allowing packaging makers to cut material and emissions while maintaining quality. 

Business development director Tommy Wiksand added in a statement that Holmen Elevate addresses immediate market needs for cost-effective, low-impact options and fits into the company’s push to expand in containerboard.

The launch builds on Holmen’s recent efforts in sustainable materials. Last year, it rolled out Invercote Touch, an uncoated paperboard for premium packaging. 

This multilayer base avoids pigment coatings to enable uncoated printing and smooth converting processes.

In broader industry developments, a report by Shorr Packaging’s 2025 Sustainable Packaging Consumer Report shows that 90% of U.S. consumers favor brands offering eco-friendly packaging, with 69% expecting such options from retailers by year’s end. 

Meanwhile, global white kraftliner demand drives the market toward $10-12 billion in value by 2025, fueled by e-commerce growth and preferences for lightweight designs. 

These trends highlight rising adoption of materials like Holmen Elevate, as companies respond to consumer pressure for greener solutions without added costs.

Holmen plans to ramp up production at Braviken to meet initial orders, targeting European and North American markets first. 

The kraftliner integrates into existing corrugated lines, requiring no major equipment changes. Early tests confirm its durability in transit, with strength comparable to heavier alternatives.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE