Carccu gives newsprint a second life in packaging

Finnish packaging manufacturer and printing specialist Carccu is using newsprint paper as a lightweight protective packaging material for logistics, warehousing and e-commerce applications.

The material can be supplied in rolls or sheets and is used for wrapping products, filling empty spaces inside cartons, separating items and protecting goods during storage.

Recycled fibres form the basis of the material

Newsprint is generally manufactured from recycled fibres or mechanical wood pulp and can incorporate reclaimed newspapers, magazines, printer rejects, waste sheets and other recovered paper streams.

This makes the material particularly suitable for applications where premium printing or high structural strength are unnecessary but lightweight protection and flexibility remain important.

Grammages range from 42 to 90 g/m²

Carccu supplies newsprint packaging papers with grammages generally ranging from 42 to 90 g/m² depending on available fibre streams and production batches.

The company’s most commonly supplied grade is 45 g/m², providing a balance between low weight, flexibility and sufficient strength for wrapping, crumpling and dry protective applications.

Material has clearly defined limitations

Newsprint is not intended for every packaging application. The uncoated material offers limited resistance to moisture and grease and is unsuitable for heavy-load or highly demanding protective packaging.

Its most appropriate uses are therefore dry, lightweight applications where products require surface protection, separation or void filling rather than significant structural support.

Printing can add information without another layer

Newsprint can also be printed with logos, handling information or other simple graphics. Carccu uses flexographic printing for larger runs, allowing ink to be applied directly to the uncoated paper.

The slightly absorbent surface favours clear, high-contrast graphics rather than highly detailed imagery, making it suitable for practical branding and logistics communication.

Fibre traceability supports compliance

Carccu supplies the material under FSC Chain of Custody and PEFC Chain of Custody certification systems, providing documentation on the origin and movement of certified forest-based raw materials.

The company also says its materials comply with the EU Deforestation Regulation, increasing the importance of supplier documentation, due diligence and traceability throughout the paper supply chain.

Production side streams remain in circulation

Carccu also applies circularity principles within its own manufacturing operations. Paper and board offcuts are returned to mills for reprocessing, while usable surplus rolls and sheets can be redirected into secondary packaging applications.

Other production materials are also recovered where possible, including stretch film, metal ink barrels and residual printing inks.

Packaging value can come from simple materials

The use of newsprint demonstrates that packaging innovation does not always require new polymers or complex material structures. In suitable applications, an established paper grade can provide sufficient protection while extending the useful life of existing fibre resources.

For logistics and e-commerce operations, such materials can offer a low-complexity route to reducing virgin material demand while remaining compatible with established paper recycling systems.