Ranpak’s GrasiKraft™ Paper Brings Grass Fibers into a Standard Void Fill Offering for the First Time

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Ranpak, a global producer of paper packaging and packaging automation solutions, has introduced GrasiKraft™, the world’s first paper void fill product made with grass fibers as part of its standard offering. By making grass more than just a special feature, the company is signaling the way forward for sustainable packaging.

With roughly 40% of the plastic waste produced globally each year coming from packaging, it’s easy to see why brands are moving towards alternative materials, especially for the single-use secondary packaging that accompanies online purchases. The push and pull of global packaging regulations and consumer preferences for sustainable materials will continue to increase demand for paper packaging products, putting a greater emphasis on sustainably sourced fibers. 

Packaging produced from fresh fibers, industrial, and post-consumer waste sources all contribute to a circular supply chain based on renewable materials and high recycling potential. Adding new sources of renewable and recyclable fiber to the supply chain can further improve the sustainability benefits of paper packaging without sacrificing the efficiency of the material.

“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 leading 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.”

Seeking innovative sources of material to supplement fresh and recycled fibers, Ranpak partnered with Creapaper to develop GrasiKraft™. This paper utilizes both fibers from recycled paper and grass fibers, resulting in a blend that is strong enough to pass through paper converters to be used as effective void fill, meaning that its performance is on par with traditional recycled kraft options. 

Grass is a highly renewable resource that can be harvested multiple times per year, which makes it an ideal alternative fiber for paper production. Harvesting grass fibers from the margin areas of agricultural land across Europe can help minimize the travel distances from sourcing to processing while also maximizing the productive output of these areas. In addition, grass paper consumes less water in the manufacturing process compared to other kraft paper void fill products.  

“GrasiKraft paper represents the output of a significant amount of testing and research to determine a suitable alternative fiber source that could be used in Ranpak’s paper products,” said David Murgio, Ranpak’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “We are highly attuned to innovation when it comes to new materials, as diversifying the fiber sources that we can use in a sustainable manner is good for business and good for the planet. We are proud to have partnered with Creapaper, allowing us to be the first global company to provide grass paper void fill material as a standard offering for our European customers.” 

The future potential of grass as a sustainable fiber source is also promising. Sources for grass can include renewed moorlands, which are grassy areas on agricultural properties that had formerly been drained. When re-wetted, they provide a perfect source of renewable grass while also providing important habitats for wildlife. Overall, the flexibility and fast-growing nature of grass allows this fiber source to scale while maintaining its sustainability benefits. 

One of the challenges Ranpak faced in creating packaging materials with new sources of sustainable fiber was developing a blend that could match the performance, quality, and recyclability of existing solutions. The durability of the paper was a critical element when testing GrasiKraft™, as paper that was too soft would not be able to run through a converter without tearing. After careful development and lab testing, GrasiKraft™ was created and is able to run through FillPak® converters without any loss in yield or performance. 

The unique look and feel of grass fibers can also signal a brand’s commitment to sustainability with each unboxing. GrasiKraft™ is softer than other kraft paper products and the speckled texture shows off the natural grass material in its composition. The visible presence of grass in the paper’s construction adds an eye-catching component to the functional value of product protection. This paper is still 100% curbside recyclable, making disposal easy and helping to support a circular economy for packaging.