Graphic Packaging’s paper-based canister innovation, Boardio™, has earned the Leadership in Sustainability Award for the Circular Value Chain by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). This accolade adds to a series of recognitions Boardio™ has received in Europe and the United States since debuting its pioneering design in 2021.

Boardio™, created in partnership with multinational confectionery manufacturer Perfetti Van Melle, is a first-to-market paperboard bottle in the chewing gum category. The novel packaging was introduced as a recyclable replacement for Mentos’ plastic bottles, offering a reduction in plastic of more than 80 percent compared to the original rigid plastic tub, with no loss of structural integrity or barrier performance.

“Our goal is to improve access everywhere to consumer packaging made from renewable resources,” said Michael P. Doss, Graphic Packaging’s President and CEO. “By helping our customers – and their consumers – transition from plastic, we can make a world of difference for our planet. We’re honored to receive this recognition, thanks to the passion and creativity of our talented team and our customer, Perfetti Van Melle.”

Since the packaging hit the market, Perfetti Van Melle has rolled out several consumer campaigns touting its environmental benefits. Advertising spotlights include videos and street-level marketing in London, with wraps on the exteriors of city buses.

The AF&PA’s Sustainability Awards recognize exemplary sustainability initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing industry. The Boardio win augments a list of existing awards for this pack, including a WorldStar Award, Environmental Packaging Award, European Carton Excellence Award and PAC Global Award.

This award tops off a year of sustainability progress for Graphic Packaging. The company achieved its climate goals three years early and, in October, received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for new emission reduction goals. It also unveiled a corporate purpose reflecting a commitment to renewable resources for a better planet. Sustainable packaging innovations such as Boardio™ pave the way toward that vision.