Crush Barley, a sustainable label material made from industrial waste

Sustainability is a growing trend in North America and Europe across the consumer goods sector. In packaging, specifically, it’s becoming more important than ever that brands consider sustainability when creating and designing their products. Consumers are looking to purchase from brands that align with their values, and recent future trends research suggests that the use of alternative packaging materials is on the rise.

Patented in the ‘90s, Shiro Alga Carta was the first paper created from the upcycling principle. To create it, papermaker Favini used algae from the Venice Lagoon in lieu of tree pulp. The success of the project, which had international significance, inspired their research and development team to find other ingredients for sustainable papers that could act as a full or partial alternative to virgin tree pulp. 

Last year, the papermaker partnered with Avery Dennison to make one of their newest sustainable papers into a sustainable label material. Fasson Crush Barley is a circular economy success story; the paper is made from industrial by-products of barley processing from the production of whiskey and beer.