PODCAST: Why is paper a sustainable material? Metsa Board (Kristen Clark)

Podcast Show Notes: Sustainable Packaging with Cory Connors
Episode Title: Why Is Paper a Sustainable Material? Featuring Metsa Board’s Kristen Clark
Guest: Kristen Clark, Communications Manager at Metsa Board

Summary:
In this episode, Cory Connors welcomes Kristen Clark to explore why paper, especially paperboard from Metsä Board, is a sustainable packaging material. Kristen shares her journey from consumer packaged goods marketing to her current role at Metsa Board, highlighting the company’s deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. The conversation covers forest management, circular manufacturing practices, and the role of paperboard in replacing plastic packaging.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kristen’s career path from CPG marketing to sustainable paperboard
• Overview of Metsä Group and its cooperative model with 90,000 Finnish forest owners
• How Metsä Board uses every part of the tree to minimize waste
• Bioenergy generation from bark and branches
• Reforestation practices: planting 4–7 trees for every one harvested
• Lightweight yet strong paperboard that reduces carbon footprint
• Circular side-stream applications, including animal bedding and soil improvement
• Metsä Board’s goal to be fossil-free by 2030 (currently 89% there)
• Water efficiency and process improvements
• Paperboard’s role as a plastic alternative and common missteps in adoption
• Metsä Board’s packaging design teams in Finland and the U.S.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and their impact on paper recycling
• Virgin vs. recycled fiber: why both are needed for a healthy recycling loop
• How to get in touch with Kristen and Metsä Board’s design and sales teams
• Upcoming events: Pack Expo Las Vegas (Booth SL19014) and Core Expo in Savannah

Resources Mentioned:

• Metsa Board Americas LinkedIn Page: Visit Metsa Board Americas 
• Kristen Clark: Connect on LinkedIn
• Pack Expo Las Vegas 2025 (Booth SL19014): Event Info & Registration | Booth Details 
• Core Expo Savannah 2025 (Corrugated Conference): CorrExpo Official Site 

Closing Thoughts:
Cory and Kristen emphasize the importance of collaboration, innovation, and education in advancing sustainable packaging. They encourage brands to explore paperboard as a viable alternative to plastic and to reach out for design support and guidance.

___