The paper and paper board value chain is an exemplar for circularity, displaying very
high recycling rates. Moreover, technical innovation is creating new products from
paper and board and other cellulose fibre-based materials that are increasingly
replacing other traditional packaging materials.
To maintain and further increase the sustainability and circularity of the paper and
board value chain and to help EU Member States and other European countries meet
high recycling targets1, it is important to ensure paper and board-based materials and
other cellulose fibre-based products (e.g. moulded fibre products) are recyclable by
the paper industry. The paper manufacturing and converting industry has issued joint
guidance on paper-based packaging recyclability2 at European and national level. To
confirm recyclability, it is necessary to define a harmonized test method as a basis for
assessing the general recyclability of these materials and products.
The harmonised test method emulates the most common phases of the industrial
processes to measure the main parameters of recyclability of paper and board-based
materials and other cellulose fibre based products based upon current knowledge and
technology.
This makes it possible to:
- supplement the evaluation of recyclability required by EN 13430 with regard to paper
and board-based materials and other cellulose fibre-based products that are sent for
recycling in the paper industry. - guide eco-design, in terms of recyclability, of paper and board-based materials and
other cellulose fibre-based products that are currently in use, as well as new materials
currently being developed and of additives used in the converting phase that can affect
the recyclability of the final product; - support declarations related to the recyclability of materials or products based on the
grading systems developed by third-party organizations.
The full document can be found here.
The side letter to stakeholders can be found here.