LAMINATED PAPER STRUCTURE PASSES STRICT WMU RECYCLING STANDARDS

KNOXVILLE, TN – Nobelus, a leading supplier of thermal laminates, adhesive-free films, and thermal laminating systems, has successfully validated that certain laminated paper structures meet the strict recyclability guidelines of the Western Michigan University (WMU) SBS Equivalency testing protocol. The certification the company received can be passed on to customers so long as their products meet the same standards as the structure tested by Nobelus.

WMU SBS-E certification is recognized by How2Recycle, a leading recycling label program in the United States and Canada. For folding carton manufacturers with eco-conscious brands, receiving a certification from WMU is the first step in using the most widely recognized sustainability logos on their packaging. “These results are groundbreaking for any folding carton manufacturer seeking recyclability labeling for their products,” said Angie Mohni, VP of Marketing at Nobelus. “Nobelus has obtained some valuable information about what it takes to make a recyclable folding carton and is now able to pass this WMU certification on to customers who follow specific guidelines in their own structures.”

The tested structure consisted of 16 pt SBS board, UV offset ink with a protective coating, and Mirror Metalized™ Laminate from Nobelus. The cartons were sent to a WMU Pilot Paper Plant, where they underwent a variety of procedures and tests. The trial produced clear and promising results: an 85.5% paper fiber yield recover rate, well over the 80% recovery rate required for a structure to pass repulpability, and a clean pass for Part 2 – Product Performance: operational, performance and appearance testing. According to a WMU representative in contact with Nobelus, "If the board weight is greater and the treatment amount (coating, lamination, etc.) is the same or less, then [a similar structure] would also pass."

“There is a lot of misinformation around recyclability, and as partners, we are always seeking to provide clarity to our customers,” says Janelle Rochat, the Nobelus Product Manager who headed up testing. “After years of research across the industry, we are thrilled to finally be able to provide test results, logos, and actionable insights for our customers’ use in view of meeting the objectives of brands.”

More information and copies of the full test results are available through Nobelus upon request.