Pioneering Sustainability in Specialty Paper by Guillaume Moreau

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at PDL—it’s the foundation of our journey as a leader in specialty paper manufacturing. As an environmental trailblazer, PDL has redefined industry standards and proven that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand.

Becoming a pioneer in sustainability is no small feat. It demands vision, long-term commitment, and a willingness to adapt and innovate. At PDL, this journey has been marked by bold decisions, groundbreaking achievements, and a relentless dedication to minimizing our environmental impact. Here’s how we got there.

A Legacy of Milestones

2005: FSC® Certification : PDL became FSC-certified, cementing our commitment to sourcing paper from responsibly managed forests. This milestone marked our first significant step toward aligning our operations with global sustainability standards.

2008: Life Cycle Assessments (LCA): Understanding that what gets measured can be improved, PDL conducted comprehensive LCAs to evaluate the environmental impact of our products. These assessments became the cornerstone of our efforts to design greener products and reduce our footprint.

2010: Launch of LIFE Initiative: With eco-design as its backbone, PDL introduced the LIFE (Less Impact For Earth) initiative. This program revolutionized our product development process, ensuring that every new product had a reduced carbon footprint while maintaining the high performance our customers expect.

2019: Nordic Swan Ecolabel Certification: PDL earned the prestigious Nordic Swan Ecolabel, a recognition of our adherence to rigorous environmental standards. This certification underscores our commitment to producing sustainable products that excel throughout their life cycle—from raw material sourcing to disposal.

Since then, PDL has concentrated its efforts on two key areas: reducing its environmental impact and developing specialty papers that set the benchmark for sustainability. The success of Primabake in the baking paper market is a prime example of a winning product strategy where sustainability serves as a core driver.

What It Takes to Be a Pioneer in Sustainability

True leadership in sustainability requires more than certifications and accolades; it takes foresight, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to innovation. At PDL, we believe that every action matters. From adopting advanced eco-design principles to embedding sustainability into our daily operations, we’ve made environmental stewardship a company-wide mission.

Becoming a pioneer means embracing the hard work of reimagining traditional practices. It requires investments in research and development, partnerships with like-minded organizations, and transparency with stakeholders. At every turn, we’ve sought not only to meet but exceed the expectations of our customers and the planet.

Leading the Way with Eco-Friendly Products

Innovation in sustainability isn’t just about internal processes—it’s about delivering solutions that empower our customers to make greener choices. PDL’s Primabake, a PFAS-free, compostable, and recyclable baking paper, is a prime example of our commitment to eco-friendly product development.

Through products like Primabake and initiatives like LIFE, we demonstrate that sustainability and performance can coexist without compromise.

The Future of Sustainability at PDL

Our story is far from over. PDL is steadfast in its mission to push the boundaries of what sustainable specialty paper manufacturing can achieve. We’re investing in new technologies, exploring alternative fibers, and setting even higher standards for environmental performance.

As we look ahead, we remain guided by the same principles that have defined our history: innovation, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.

Join Us in Shaping a Greener Tomorrow

At PDL, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s our legacy. By continuing to innovate and lead, we aim to inspire others in the industry to follow suit. Together, we can build a future where the paper industry is synonymous with environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

Join us on this journey and discover how PDL is creating a brighter, greener future, one sheet at a time. 

Let’s work together to shape a more sustainable industry. Contact us today to learn more about our specialty paper solutions and how they can be integrated into your operations.