from beets
to sheets
BeetKraft®: paper and packaging
from sugar beet
What if the packaging material originated from sugar beet cultivation in southern Germany, from a by-product of sugar production with high stability? With BeetKraft®, we are presenting a fibre for the paper and packaging industry that represents an alternative to traditional wood fibres. Using a patented refinement process, we develop a high-performance fibre from a by-product of sugar production.
Consistent quality, fast and continuous availability, easy integration into existing production processes and low price volatility are important criteria, especially for alternative fibres and packaging materials, in order to justify the (partial) replacement of classic wood-based pulp.
Discover BeetKraft®, an alternative fibre solution for paper and packaging – made from sugar beet.
Plant-based. Reliable. Strong.
Main advantages of BeetKraft®
BeetKraft® offers various advantages for paper producers, converters and brand manufacturers
High Paper Strength
BeetKraft® increases the stability of packaging depending on the packaging type. At the same time, it can help reduce overall grammage without compromising on packaging quality, functionality or the desired packaging appearance.
Reliable Regional Supply
Sugar beet sourced in southern Germany is processed in Offstein into BeetKraft® fibre. Combined with year-round availability, this supports reliable raw material supply and flexible delivery for paper and board producers.
Sugar Beet Fibre
BeetKraft® is produced from southern German sugar beet using a patented refining process. The bibre is derived from a by-product of sugar production.
Sugar beet is grown within farming systems that may include crop rotation and other agricultural practices.
Sugar Beet Pulp
for Paper and Packaging
Sustainability, functionality and packaging appearance are among the critera by which packaging solutions are increaingly evaluated.
The demand for alternative packaging materials is constantly growing. However, replacing traditional cellulose without compromising paper production or end-product quality remains a challenge for many manufacturers.
BeetKraft® is the result of extensive development work that enables the processing of sugar beet by-products (dried sugar beet pulp) into a pulp for paper and cardboard packaging applications.
As a sugar beet-based alternative to traditional wood pulp, BeetKraft® enables up to 40% of wood fibres (NBSK/SBSK) to be easily replaced in the paper formulation.
In cooperation with the PTS – Institut für Fasern & Papier gGmbH in Heidenau – the material properties of BeetKraft® and the suitability of the material as an alternative pulp for the production of different paper qualities were investigated and evaluated.
After material screening on a laboratory scale, tests were carried out with various materials in combination with primary and secondary fibres to produce different paper qualities on the PTS test paper machine as well as production in a paper mill.
The paper produced was processed on a trial basis for the manufacture of packaging for sugar products after a food safety declaration had been drawn up.
BeetKraft® is versatile and suitable for various paper and packaging solutions.
Kraft Paper
BeetKraft® can increase the strength and durability of kraft paper. Depending on the application, it may also enable a reduction in overall grammage.
Cartonboard
BeetKraft® contributes to the production of stable, high-quality cartonboard suitable for displays and product packaging.
Containerboard
BeetKraft® improves or maintains the stability of containerboard and is suitable for the production of robust corrugated packaging and transport boxes.
BEETKRAFT® AT A GLANCE
With decades of experience in sugar beet processing and a strong understanding of paper and packaging applications, we combine expertise from agriculture and the packaging industry.
For Paper Manufacturers
The short delivery routes and easy integration into existing processes make BeetKraft® an attractive option for paper manufacturers.
- Increased SCT value: increase in stability by 10–11% depending on the end application.
- Material reduction possible: potential saving of NBSK/SBSK in production.
- Year-round availability: supports continuous production reliabily.
- Short delivery times: may reduce the need for long-term storage or stockpiling.
- Scalable and industrially viable: suitable for production in large quantities.
- Mechanical refining process: beet pulp is refined into BeetKraft® fibre through a patented mechanical refining process.
- Stable paper production: consistent quality and reliable production processes.
- Technical advice: support from Südzucker for sampling, testing and productive use available.
- Industrially tested: tested on demo plants and on an industrial scale.
- German sourcing: regional sourcing of sugar beet from southern Germany.
- Sugar Beet-based raw material: : Sugar beet is an annual crop commonly grown in crop rotation systems.
- FSC certification: suitable for use in FSC-certified paper production, subject to applicable certification requirements.
- Food-compliant: safe for contact with dry, moist and greasy foodstuffs.
- Recyclable: supports recycling withinestablished paper recovery systems.
For the Packaging Industry and Printers
BeetKraft® is a high-performance fibre solution that can be integrated into existing production processes.
- Consistent and high print quality: BeetKraft® offers consistently high print quality.
- Year-round availability: supports continuous production reliabily.
- Short delivery times: may reduce the need for long-term storage or stockpiling.
- Scalable and industrial-grade: suitable for production in large quantities.
- Mechanical refining process: beet pulp is refined into BeetKraft® fibre through a patented mechanical refining process.
- Stable paper processing: consistently high quality in paper processing and production.
- Technical advice: support for sampling and test productions by Südzucker possible.
For Brand Owners
Surprise your customers with an innovative packaging solution.
- Fibre-based appearance: distinctive look and tactile feel.
- Consistent print quality: consistent, high-quality print results.
- Increased stability: more strength with the potential to save material at the same time.
- German sourcing: sugar beet from southern Germany.
- FSC-certifiable: suitable for use in FSC-certified paper production, subject to applicable certification requirements.
- Recyclable: supports recycling within established paper recovery systems.
- Food-compliant: safe for contact with dry, moist and greasy foodstuffs.
Where Does BeetKraft® Come From and How is it Produced?
BeetKraft® is a product made from sugar beet pulp during the annual sugar production. In addition to being used as animal feed and for energy recovery, it is now also refined in a patented process and converted into a high-quality fibre for the paper industry.
The BeetKraft® pulp has a brownish colour due to its origin, which influences the colour of the final kraft paper, cardboard or containerboard.
100% of German Origin
On average, our sugar beet is sourced from within a 50 km radius of our factories, enabling flexible and fast delivery throughout Germany.
Sugar beet is an annual crop that is commonly grown as part of crop rotation systems and is fully utilised across different applications.
Südzucker continuously develops agricultural practices relating to weed control, fertilisation, plant protection and biodiversity.
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
AT SÜDZUCKER
AT SÜDZUCKER
For decades, we have been working successfully with our farmers to continuously make sugar beet cultivation more sustainable. Among other things, our focus is on regenerative agriculture methods, promoting biodiversity, reducing CO₂ emissions and responsible water management.
Faq
What are the findings regarding the further processing of BeetKraft® paper products?
The BeetKraft® fibres are firmly anchored in the paper structure; there are no impairments due to fibre tears or dusting during processing. The fibre structure is not weakened or negatively influenced by the use of BeetKraft®. No negative effects were observed during subsequent paper processing.
What effects does the use of BeetKraft® have on the technical values of the paper?
In extensive test series to date, we have not noticed any negative effects with regard to strength values. We have noticed effects on air permeability and roughness. Please contact us for more detailed information.
How does the surface and appearance change with BeetKraft®?
We have noticed an increase in roughness in previous productions. The air permeability also increases. Due to the unbleached fibre character, the packaging has a characteristic brown colour. A high-quality print image is still maintained. The intensity of the colour values depends on the individual fibre treatment.
How is BeetKraft® delivered? Can it be placed on a slat conveyor?
BeetKraft® is currently packaged and delivered in big bags of various heights. We are working on other forms of packaging. We will find an individual solution for your BeetKraft® application. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
What distinguishes BeetKraft® from other alternative fibres?
BeetKraft® is characterised by the fact that the use and substitution of virgin fibres does not impair the paper properties in terms of strength. There are no negative side effects during processing.
What is the availability of the fibre? Is it available all year round?
We can offer market-relevant quantities with our production plant. Production capacity will be scaled up in the medium term. Due to the drying and fibre treatment method, the fibre supply is guaranteed all year round and with consistent quality.
What does the typical preparation of BeetKraft® fibre look like?
The full potential of BeetKraft® can be used with the familiar paper processing methods of defibration and refining. Individual support is required for the first applications.
How was the sugar beet pulp utilised previously?
The sugar beet pulp was previously also marketed as animal feed or for energy recovery, among other things.
The BeetKraft® technology now makes it possible for us to produce high-quality virgin fibres for paper production from the sugar beet pulp. This additional recycling option further secures the previously closed recycling loop.
Your Contact Person
Are you interested in our BeetKraft® fiber material for your paper and packaging solutions or for specific applications?
We are happy to support you in developing new concepts and creative ideas using fiber materials from sugar beet – feel free to get in touch!
Marcus Reuter – Head of Co-Products
