The following actions, individually or collectively, will contribute to achieving the outcomes of improved recyclability and actual recycling of paper and fibre packaging.
Available Courses of Action
- Action 1 – Increase Recycling Value in Paper and Fibre
Action 1 – Increase Recycling Value in Paper and Fibre
In choosing to increase recycling value in paper and fibre, the change in packaging design, composition or construction is primarily achieved thru one of more of the following:
- Ensure material choice, adhesive choice and size of sleeve or label is not problematic for recycling
The following use case(s) provide examples of where increased recycling value has been demonstrated for paper and fibre packaging.
Use Cases
| Use Case | Innovation | Application | Release to Market |
| SIG | Signature Evo extends SIG’s lower-carbon aluminum-free packaging materials for wider use with oxygen-sensitive products | Milk, flavoured milk, fruit juices, nectars, plant-based beverages | 2022 |
| Omnia Packaging | Thermoformed and heat-sealed paper tray designed without glue (or any other coating, wax, resin), using only water-based lacquer | Produce – includes, but not limited to: Snack Tomatoes, Dates, Blueberries, Strawberries, Mushrooms, Table grapes, Mini cucumbers, Mini bell peppers | 2022 |
Supporting Resources
Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions to paper and fibre packaging includes:
General Information
- AFPA paper recycling guidelines 2021
American Forest and Paper AssociationPaper-based packaging is recyclable. Some non-fiber elements that are applied to paper-based packaging, like barrier coatings or adhesives, may create challenges for paper mills to recycle. With increased interest among consumer products companies to provide more recyclable packaging for their customers, the paper-based packaging industry recognizes the opportunity to bring clarity to how packaging gets recycled in paper mills and how various non-fiber elements affect the recyclability of paper-based packaging.
- Carton Council of Canada 2015
Carton Council of Canada (CCC)Carton Council of Canada (CCC) has published a recycling primer in order to support sorting facilities in their carton recycling efforts.
- Packaging Design for Recycling: A Global Recommendation for Circular Packaging Design
World Packaging Organization (WPO)This resource considers a holistic view of packaging as essential for sustainable pacakaging development – including delivering on a circular economy and the reduction in the sources of ecological impact on the environment. Design for recycling is part of circular product design and represents an important basis for holistic sustainable assessment.
- Accelerating Recycling Best Practices: The 2023 Knowledge Report 2023
The Recycling Partnership and The Center for Sustainable Behavior & ImpactThis report digs into what it will take from all of those involved across the value chain to incite the change necessary to accelerate recycling best practices.