Poly coated paper is found in everyday items like take-out cups and containers, ice cream tubs, detergent boxes, and much more. These packages are almost entirely made of paper, which is one of the most successfully recycled materials in the world. Yet despite proven markets and recovery pathways, many recycling programs do not currently accept poly coated paper items.
The Poly Coated Paper Alliance (PCPA) is working to change that. Today, PCPA announced the launch of a new strategy to advance recovery of poly coated paper and to meet the emerging requirements of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs in key U.S. states.
鈥淎s states implement EPR programs, demonstrating the recovery of poly coated paper products is crucial,鈥� said Teo Medellin, director of global packaging sustainability at Procter & Gamble and a member of the Poly Coated Paper Alliance leadership. 鈥淧CPA鈥檚 strategy today successfully positions more poly coated paper packages to meet the standards of these emerging recycling systems.鈥�
The strategy focuses on achieving widespread collection and recycling of poly coated paper products by:
- Filling data gaps: conducting research to document the flow of poly coated paper so that it can be included on EPR collections lists and in other communities across the country.
- Preparing for EPR implementation: collaborate with partners and mills to expand end-market acceptance of poly coated paper and meet responsible end market requirements.
- Establishing universal design guidance: giving brands, converters, MRFs, and end markets confidence in a shared understanding of what will be introduced into the market, sorted, and delivered to end markets.
- Expanding communications: helping communities, recyclers, and stakeholders understand the value of recovering highly recyclable poly coated paper packaging.
鈥淏y combining research, market development, clear design standards, and stronger communication, the renewed workplan addresses every step of the recycling chain,鈥� said Scott Byrne, vice president of global sustainability at Sonoco, which serves on the leadership of the Poly Coated Paper Alliance. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the pathway to accelerate making poly coated paper a common item in the recycling bin.鈥�
With implementation of the renewed strategy now underway, PCPA is positioned to accelerate collaboration across stakeholders and ensure poly coated paper packaging reaches its full potential as a widely recovered and recycled material.