Design tips for better recyclability of paper and board packaging

Designers need to explore and develop new materials and techniques for producing paper and card packaging that not only does the job required but is also easier to recycle.

This guidance will help brands and retailers achieve that, by providing tips for specifying and designing paper and board packaging that can be reprocessed in mills that use standard pulping technology.

The recycling process becomes more difficult when the normal function of paper and card is changed – for example, they are made water resistant or act as a gas barrier. This creates challenges for recycling, such as increasing the costs of reprocessing and waste disposal, reducing the quality of the finished product, and even damaging machinery.

WRAP would like to acknowledge the Confederation of Paper Industries and the Co-op in the development of this guidance.