The following actions, individually or collectively, will contribute to achieving the outcomes of reducing the environmental impacts of paper and fibre packaging thru the incorporation of recycled content.
Available Courses of Action
- Action 1 – Incorporate Post-Consumer Recycled Content / with Food Contact
- Action 2 – Incorporate Post-Consumer Recycled Content / without Food Contact
Action 1 – Incorporate Post-Consumer Recycled Content / with Food Contact
The incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content is a leading sustainability strategy, due in large part to the reduced requirement for virgin plastic, the associated reduction in GHG emissions, and the benefits that come with enabling a truly circular economy. For food and produce, a leading challenge remains ensuring that any recycled content incorporated into food packaging meets food contact requirements, if applicable.
The following use case(s) provide examples of where PCR-containing paper and fibre packaging contacting food has been demonstrated.
Use Cases
| Use Case | Innovation | Application | Release to Market |
| Cascade PCR | Recyclable thermoformed cardboard food tray made from 100% recycled fibres | Fresh meats, vegetables | 2022 |
| Sustana | 100% recycled fiber compliant with FDA standards for direct food contact at 100% inclusion | Various | Early 2000s |
Action 2 – Incorporate Post-Consumer Recycled Content / without Food Contact
The incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content is a leading sustainability strategy, due in large part to the reduced requirement for virgin plastic, the associated reduction in GHG emissions, and the benefits that come with enabling a truly circular economy. For food and produce, a leading challenge remains ensuring that any recycled content incorporated into food packaging meets food contact requirements, if applicable. As such, there is increasing interest in considering applications where PCR can be incorporated while avoiding food contact.
The following use case(s) provide examples of where PCR-containing paper and fibre packaging without food contact has been demonstrated.
Use Cases
Use Cases are currently being identified and reviewedSupporting Resources
Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions to paper and fibre packaging include:
General Information
- Design for Recycled Content Guide 2019
Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC)The Guide provides information on the key considerations around recycled content and how to design packaging that incorporates recycled content in order to drive demand for recycled materials. The Guide shares insights from experienced users of recycled content across the packaging supply chain to illuminate the opportunities and best practices for using recycled content in packaging. - The Recycled Material Standard (RMS)
GreenBlue (SPC)The RMS is a voluntary, market-based tool to address some of the challenges faced by the recycling industry in incorporating higher amounts of recycled content into packaging.