paperboard is greener than plastic

Paperboard is recycled
back into paperboard

Paperboard recycling is a closed loop, meaning it can be recycled back into paperboard. Boxes made out of paperboard are easy to flatten and recycle, so paperboard has one of the highest recycle ratings. Paperboard can also be made from mixed paper without de-inking, making it easier on the environment and abundantly available. Even if the box is not recycled, it will replenish the soil in the decomposition process.

Plastic is recycled into something else

Disposable plastic containers areseldom made back into containers – they usually end up as a "durable good" like a park bench, carpet or fibrefill. Sorting the different types (level 1 to 7) is critical, as a mistake can contaminate an entire batch, and the comparatively low cost of the raw material (petroleum) makes the economics problematic. This means a lot of plastics labelled 3-7 are creating an ever-expanding worldwide disposal problem!

Types of Paperboard

Environmental benefits of paperboard recycling

  • All paperboard is recyclable
  • Producing recycled paperboard requires 44% less energy than producing paper from trees
  • Most recycled paperboard does not have to be de-inked
  • By recycling paper, we prevent it from being landfilled where it degrades, producing methane, a greenhouse gas

CCNB

Clay Coated
News Back

  • Clay Coated refers to a smooth, white clay coating for high quality printing applied to the top of the sheet.
  • News back refers to the layer(s) beneath the coating that is made from recycled newspapers and mixed paper. These layers are typically a shade of gray due to the newsprint inks dispersed among the fibers. This coloration is covered by the clay coating, but does tend to add a grey cast to the sheet. Used in a huge variety of applications because it is reasonably priced and sustainable

SBS

Solid Bleach
Sulphate

  • Extremely white and strong board composed of bleached virgin fibre sourced from sustainably harvested forests
  • A clay based coating is applied to one side for high quality printing.
  • Used for food, health, beauty, software, cosmetics and other packaging applications where the requirements of the final package justify the extra cost
  • A more natural look can be achieved by printing on the non-coated side
Every time paper is recycled, the fibres get shorter, until they are too short and are discarded. This bale of virgin paperboard is valuable for recycling, because it produces long fibres when pulped.
recycle bale

Clay Coated & Uncoated

Kraft

  • Unbleached 100% recycled fibres, including a minimum of 60% post consumer waste. Light natural brown in color with flecks from the fibres
  • Clay Coated Kraft Back (CCKB) has a smooth, white clay coating for high quality printing applied to the top of the sheet. Stronger than CCNB
  • Chipboard is the name of the board without claycoating. Simple graphics and a few strong colours work best with the rich texture of the board, a look now becoming popular for green products

Poly

Food grade Poly paperboard (PET)

  • A thin layer of food-grade polyethylene on either side of the bleached virgin paperboard makes it leak proof. On the outside, the plastic coating also protects the paper board cartons from condensation which can make the carton soft or soggy
  • Usually used for frozen foods, especially those without inner bags
  • This material is recyclable, as the polyethylene coating comes off when the paperboard is pulped for recycling.