Topeka, Kan. – The American Forest & Paper Association’s (AF&PA) Design Guidance for Recyclability of Paper-based Packaging has been recently introduced for members of the paper-based packaging manufacturing supply chain to use in designing and manufacturing packaging to meet customers’ needs in terms of recycling. The new report includes information from the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) on the repulpability of foil decorated paper and/or board. The findings in the new Design Guide were from an AF&PA survey of member company mills in a range of sectors in the United States and Canada. The technical guidance is not any type of mandatory or standard for the packaging industry but to report on the impact of various non-fiber elements frequently found on paper-based packaging on recyclability in paper mills, including inks, coatings, foils, and other materials.

The report says that more than 90% of Americans have access to community paper and paperboard recycling, and it also states that improvements in recycling technology are making some treatments easier to recycle than they have been historically. In addition, the appendix includes an area for additional resources from other industry associations. In this portion of AF&PA’s Design Guidance for Recyclability of Paper-based Packaging, there is a section on the FSEA new study on the repulpability of paper/board decorated with transfer foils, produced in conjunction with the Georgia Tech Renewable Bioproducts Institute. The Georgia Tech study demonstrates that transfer foil decorated paper and board do not create problems in the recyclability/repulpability of paper and/or board in a common repulping process.

“We are delighted that AF&PA published the information on our new study in their Design Guidance,” stated FSEA Executive Director Jeff Peterson. “We hope this will help in the education of those involved in the recycling process of paper and/or board.”

If you are interested in a copy of the new FSEA Repulpability of Foil Decorated Paper study, visit www.fsea.com or email [email protected]. If you are interested in the Design Guidance for Recyclability report – visit www.afandpa.org/sustainability/Design-Guidance-Recyclability. 

For more information, visit www.fsea.com.