INX International, provider of inks for commercial printing, packaging, and digital printing, has put together a primer for understanding the environmental effects of printing inks; from ink's carbon footprint and recycling to the recycling of printed corrugated. In Part One of this three part series, we took a look at the formulation of inks, de-inking of printed products, disposal and recycling, as well as a look at ink's carbon footprint. Yesterday, in Part Two, we examined biodegradability and recycling issues of ink and printed products. Today in Part Three, our final installment, we address the issues surrounding recycling and recylability of printed corrugated. Can corrugated cardboard be recycled? Cardboard is reportedly the largest single source of recovered paper, comprising 54% of all paper recovered for recycling in the U.S. (U.S. EPA, 2000). If reducing the amount of cardboard used for packaging is not feasible (source reduction), then it should be recycled or composted. Corrugated cardboard which is made from strong, good quality wood fiber including un-waxed cardboard boxes and brown paper bags can be easily recycled. Paperboard cartons such as cereal boxes, waxed cardboard used for packaging fresh vegetables and other non-corrugated boxes cannot be recycled as cardboard but may be recycled with mixed paper products. Waxed corrugated cardboard can be reused. The American Forest and Paper Association has a complete listing of locations that will accept waxed corrugated boxes. Waxed cardboard can also be composted or pelletized for use as fuel in industrial boilers. Cardboard usage is widespread and contributes significantly to the waste stream disposed in landfills, even though cardboard is universally marketable, profitable, and easily recycled. Traditionally, some corrugated containers have been treated with wax coatings to provide moisture and vapor protection for safely transporting products requiring it (such as broccoli, usually packed in ice). Wax coatings cannot be recycled because they do not dissolve in water, so they create problems in the repulping process. The industry has worked diligently to develop recyclable alternatives, many of which are now becoming commercially available. The corrugated industry developed a new recyclability standard that allows these alternatives to be tested, proven and certified recyclable if they pass the required protocol. Certified materials should be marked with a symbols that indicates the container bearing it can be successfully recycled. How do I recycle coated corrugated? If It has been treated with plastic extrusions or laminates, wax coatings, etc., it cannot be recycled (unless is it marked with a recyclable certification symbol that indicates the coating has been tested and proven recylable. These can be included in general paper waste for recycling or reused. To learn more, visit the Corrugated Packaging Associations Recycling Program. Corrugated Recycling Symbols The following symbols are used to show that printed corrugated packaging can be recycled. For more information, download The Art of Being Green: The INX Pathway to Sustainability (PDF, 500KB). . .