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CPI launches fibre packaging recycling certification service

The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) has launched the “UK’s first” comprehensive recyclability assessment and certification service for fibre-based packaging.

Papercycle will also be able to identify whether fibre-based packaging materials can be recycled in the UK

In a statement yesterday (23 May), the CPI said the online service called Papercycle can assess “the recyclability of fibre-based products and materials in a consistent and credible way”.

Papercycle will also be able to identify whether fibre-based packaging materials can be recycled in the UK and which type of recycling mills can reprocess them.

The CPI, a trade association representing the UK’s Paper-based Industries, said the online service can providean instant diagnosis on recyclability following the online assessment. For more complex products or materials, Papercycle can conduct timely laboratory testing under the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) recyclability test method.

Dimitra Rappou, CPI director of recycling, said: “As packaging materials have become increasingly complex, we have seen growing confusion over the recyclability of materials, with an over simplified assessment approach threatening the quality of recycling.

“Papercycle’s new service can remove the uncertainty faced by packaging designers, brands, retailers, and policy makers on the recyclability of fibre-based products. We see this playing a crucial role in promoting a circular economy for fibre-based packaging, helping to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions by keeping materials in use for longer. By providing accurate information on recyclability, Papercycle enables brands and manufacturers to design and develop packaging solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.”

Papercycle’s service can remove the uncertainty faced by packaging designers

  • Dimitra Rappou, CPI

EPR

With extended producer responsibility and modulated fees due for next year, the CPI said “this new service could not arrive at a better time”.

The association added that whilst in principle all fibre-based packaging is recyclable, innovations in material development can make some products more challenging to recycle.

“This means basic recyclability assessments based on visual or a simple compositional analysis are no longer sufficient to capture the complexities of the recycling process and accurately reflect the true recyclability of packaging,” the CPI noted.

Papercycle’s certification service could enable a standardised labelling system where customers could receive a ‘recycle’ label as will be required by the UK’s mandatory recyclability labelling on packaging.

Packaging certified as “recyclable” will also attract lower modulated fees associated with complying with the reformed Packaging Waste Regulations. Furthermore, for consumers, Papercycle can help avoid confusion on what can and cannot be recycled.

Lead engineer, Dr Ed Jones, at Kelp Industries Ltd, remarked: “The Product Development Service offered by Papercycle has been crucial in landing some key clients for us. The tailored report and post-assessment technical review with Papercycle allowed us to give confidence to our customers, by demonstrating the recyclability of our new materials, and with external validation directly from representatives of the paper processing industry.”

Papercycle Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the CPI.

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