Two Years in at Persson Innovation: Thomas Call Champions Quality and Sustainability

A role with purpose

Thomas joined Persson Innovation two years ago, and since then, his role has expanded to include not only quality and environmental management systems but also product and process development.

“It’s a really exciting and dynamic role. No two days are the same,” says Thomas Call.

His daily work involves a mix of internal projects, supplier and customer meetings, and hands-on involvement in production.

“Being close to the production floor is essential. That’s where real improvements happen,” he explains.

Sustainability at the core

For Thomas, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s part of the company’s DNA. Persson’s handles are made from Nordic wood, sourced from responsibly managed forests in Sweden and Finland. For every tree harvested, three new ones are planted—a testament to the region’s long-standing commitment to sustainable forestry.

“Our core business is sustainable. The more paper handles we sell, the greater the positive impact we have on the environment,” he says.

 

From forest to function

Thomas is especially proud of the traceability of their raw materials. This transparency ensures that every handle meets the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility.

“In Sweden, forestry is highly regulated. We know exactly where our wood comes from,” Thomas notes.

The environmental benefits of switching from plastic to paper handles are substantial. Plastic handles can weigh up to 9 grams each.

“When one of our customers buys 10–15 million handles a year, even a 1-gram reduction per handle makes a huge difference,” he adds.

Looking ahead

Thomas and the team is currently exploring new materials and partnerships to further enhance the sustainability of Persson’s products. As EU regulations such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) come into effect, Thomas sees opportunities rather than obstacles.

“These changes will push the industry toward better, more recyclable packaging solutions—and we’re ready for that,”says Thomas Call.