is an initiative of Valipac
Conventional wisdom has it that paper/cardboard is always recyclable. However, the packaging has evolved and many material combinations have been developed. For example, paper can be combined with another material to improve the strength of the packaging and the moisture resistance or to form gas barriers to extend the life of the product. However, these materials hinder recycling.
The quantity of impurities determines the efficiency of the recycling process and the quality of the recovered fibre. If different materials still have to be treated, it is important that the different materials can be separated easily and preferably without equipment.
The category of paper/cardboard includes all types of packaging made from paper fibres. These fibres may be new or recycled.
| Material | The box consists of more than 85% pulpable cellulose fibres. | Moisture-proof paper; wax-coated paper treated with fluorinated chemicals, siliconised paper. | Moisture-proof paper, greaseproof paper, bituminised paper, paraffined paper. |
| Barrier/coating | No barriers are used. If this is unavoidable, use them on only one side. | Plastic coating on both sides, wax coatings, siliconised paper and wet reinforced fibres. | Coatings which impede pulpability. Barrier > 15%. |
| Printing/ink | Keep printing to a minimum and only use ink which is not on the EuPIA exclusion list. | Colours which contain components excluded by the EuPIA list | |
| Additives | No additives are used. | Moisture repellents, water-soluble substances. | |
| Adhesives | Adhesives are used in limited quantities and are easy to remove. Cold-curing or water-soluble adhesives that do not become softer at more than 35°C. | Self-adhesive labels and adhesives which produce stickers. Hotmelt which is not completely soluble in water. | |
| Labels | No labels or paper labels. | Plastic labels |