WML Paperboard’s Formakote range delivers sustainable folding boxboard solutions without compromising strength, print performance or shelf appeal.
Expectations around packaging have significantly shifted. Retailers, regulators and consumers are demanding greater transparency around environmental impact, while brands still need packaging that performs reliably through production, distribution and presentation.
It starts with the right substrate
WML Paperboard’s Formakote™ folding boxboard range is developed to meet those demands, combining strong environmental credentials with the performance converters and brand owners rely on daily. Importantly, around 85% of fibre is sourced within approximately 100 kilometres of the mill, supporting supply chain traceability while helping reduce transport-related impacts. The result is a well-documented, locally sourced material with strong supply and consistency.
Manufactured in New Zealand from 100% virgin fibre sourced from responsibly managed forests, Formakote™ provides a renewable, high-performance packaging solution. The range has been independently assessed for recyclability¹, demonstrating compatibility with conventional paper recycling mills and efficient fibre recovery processes.
Formakote integrates seamlessly into established recycling systems, supporting circular packaging objectives while providing confidence through internationally recognised testing methodologies.
Sustainability backed by action
WML Paperboard holds FSC Chain of Custody, ISO 14001 Environmental Management, ISO 9001 Quality Management and FSSC 22000 Food Safety certifications, supporting operational integrity, food safety, and customer compliance requirements.
The food-grade range is manufactured without PFAS or optical brightening agents, helping customers meet stringent food safety and environmental expectations across multiple markets.
Recent mill investments have further strengthened environmental performance, including:
- 30 per cent less energy used per tonne of board produced
- 2 million fewer litres of water consumed daily
- 2,500 tonnes of fibre recovered annually from the waste stream
- Elimination of approximately 200 tonnes of plastic through the transition to fibre-based wrapping
- Operations powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity
This reflects a long-term commitment to continuous improvement and practical environmental outcomes - not just marketing claims.
Sustainable packaging still has to perform
Environmental credentials alone are not enough if packaging cannot deliver operationally.
The product range is engineered with a multi-layer construction delivering the stiffness, strength and print performance that is required in demanding FMCG applications. The board delivers excellent stiffness-to-weight performance, often using less fibre than comparable grades while maintaining integrity.
This lighter-weight efficiency also delivers downstream supply chain benefits, reducing freight volumes, container numbers and therefore transport emissions.
For converters, the board is designed to run efficiently through processes. For brand owners, it delivers strong shelf presence, reliable performance and premium print results.
A reliable supply partner close to market
As the only folding boxboard manufacturer in Australasia, WML Paperboard offers customers a dependable supply option at a time when global supply chains continue to face disruption and volatility.
With the Port of Tauranga in close proximity and shipping times of approximately six days to Australia’s east coast, customers benefit from shorter lead times, reduced freight exposure and greater supply certainty compared with sourcing from offshore markets.
For brands focused on supply resilience, traceability and responsiveness, sourcing closer to market is an important strategic advantage.
Visit us at FoodPro 2026
WML Paperboard will be at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 26–29 July for FoodPro 2026.
Visit us at Stand Y51 to discuss how WML Paperboard can support your sustainability and packaging requirements.
For more information, visit wmlpaperboard.com
