FISC is working with industry to help them solve problems relating to six key themes. In this case study The Henry Royce Institute is exploring the environmental sustainability claims of new materials in the paper industry.

FISC THEME : Sustainable Materials
To combine skills across the innovation network to transfer research ideas through to manufacturing and also to combine resources to develop supply chain for the next generation of sustainable Foundation Industry products.

What problem/s does industry have?
For paper manufacturers and companies converting paper into products such as toilet roll environmental sustainability is becoming a key marketing topic. But data on the carbon intensity of the paper manufacturing process isn't widely known so it's difficult for industry (and consumers) to prove the credibility of sustainability claims. It's also widely assumed that sustainable and low-carbon paper products are generally more expensive to manufacture.

How is FISC helping solve the problem/s?
Through FISC's EconoMISER Programme its partner The Henry Royce Institute at The University of Manchester worked with Accrol Papers, a leading UK tissue paper convertor to investigate sustainability claims in relation to using bamboo in place of wood in paper manufacture.

Based in Blackburn in East Lancashire, Accrol (now part of The Navigator Company) is a leading tissue paper convertor employing over 300 staff across East Lancashire.

Accrol wanted to investigate if Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-accredited fibres sourced from virgin wood, recycled paper or virgin bamboo were the best from a sustainability perspective. An application scientist performed a review of academic journals, technical reports, industry magazines, leading bamboo sanitary and health products, industry and intergovernmental reports.

The report helped Accrol navigate sustainability claims made by competitors about sources of fibres for paper making. It illustrated that the question of which fibre source is more sustainable is beyond the scope of a single Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).

The process of comparing LCAs is substantial and academic work has been done to interpret trends from multiple LCA studies. However, the study did not support bamboo as being a more sustainable fibre source than other types of tree and other recycled fibres.

This has allowed Accrol to make informed decisions about the use of future feedstocks for better sustainability for their products. It is important for them to strike a balance between consumer pressure from the cost of-living crisis and increased consumer awareness of sustainability.

"Having approached FISC/Royce on a specific piece of research to assist our understanding in respect of wider market challenges within our business and sector, we found them to be extremely professional and knowledgeable. The research itself was incredibly thorough, and the outputs have been put to positive use within our business, assisting in setting the direction of our medium & long-term goals." Phil Heathcote, Head of National Accounts, Accrol

How does this benefit industry?
The paper industry has made great progress in improving its sustainability since the 1990s and research like this should help them to better convey information to consumers around the proven sustainability trends in alternative raw materials like bamboo. It also supports business to grow and invest when setting medium and long-term goals.

Read the full Royce case study HERE or find out more about Royce's work as part of FISC's EconoMISER project HERE.

If you'd like FISC to support you with your industrial problems please drop us an email at info@ukfisc.org

Published: 04-04-2025