Carton Recycling and You!
(For Packaging, Sustainability & Supply Chain Professionals)
Cartons are one of the most sustainable food and beverage packaging options
available. They are made mainly with renewable resources, have a low carbon
footprint across their lifecycle and are highly recyclable. In fact more than 50
percent of U.S. households have access to carton recycling. The Carton Council
continues to work hard to increase that percentage.
It’s a material in demand: Put simply, there are end markets for cartons and
the list of mills that need and want the material is growing. Recently, a new
paper grade was awarded by the Paper Stock Industry (PSI) to cartons, making
it even more appealing and profitable for processors and mills. Status as a PSI
commodity grade is only granted when there is industry demand and
commodity value. In 2011, a new PSI specification, grade #52, was created for
both aseptic (shelf-stable) and gable top (refrigerated) cartons. In addition to
the paperboard material, there are thin polyethylene, or plastic, layers that can
also be processed and recycled.
Carton Council efforts – VPR at its finest:
The Carton Council is hard at work building access
to carton recycling. These efforts demonstrate a
successful example of Voluntary Producer
Responsibility and one that the whole industry can
be proud of.
As part of its commitment to increasing the
recycling of cartons the Carton Council is:
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The Carton Council is
continuously working
with North American
paper mills to expand
the number of mills
that accept cartons
for recycling.
Working operationally with local departments
of Public Works or Solid Waste to find
efficient solutions for adding cartons to local
recycling programs
Connecting with brokers to help ensure end market sales for cartons
Providing educational support to help inform local residents about
carton recycling and grow the local carton recycling stream
Demonstrating that cartons are made of high quality, valuable material
that deserves to be in the recycling stream
What Success Means: Clear Consumer Recycling
Message
Increased access to carton recycling allows cartons to
include this qualified logo on the carton packaging –
making cartons even more recognizable to the public as
recyclable. The goal is to continue to grow access so that
a standalone recycle symbol without qualification can be
placed on all carton packaging.
Help us promote carton recycling.
 Add recycling logo (qualified) to products.
 The success of the carton recycling campaign now allows for carton
packaging to display this logo on packages. By adding this logo, brands
are letting consumers know about carton recycling and where to find
additional information.
 Add information to your website and materials
 Consumers often look to product websites and materials for recycling
information. Place the same logo and additional information provided by
Carton Council to increase awareness about carton recycling.
Connect with Carton Council
Carton recycling is happening and increasing every day. To stay up to date,
connect with Carton Council through the web and social media (We’re on
Twitter and Facebook!)
The Carton Council is a group of carton manufacturers united to deliver long
term collaborative solutions in order to divert valuable cartons from landfills.