Papercycle, the UK’s first comprehensive recyclability assessment and certification service for fibre-based packaging, has been launched today, signaling a significant development for the country’s Paper-based Industries. With the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, the introduction of this service is timely.
Developed by the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) and supported by the UK’s Paper-based Industries, Papercycle offers an automated online tool that provides a robust and credible system for evaluating the recyclability of fibre-based products and materials. It determines the recyclability of fibre-based packaging materials in the UK and identifies the appropriate recycling mills for reprocessing. The recyclability assessment can be conducted at any stage of the product, whether it is finished or semi-finished.
Papercycle’s online assessment tool delivers an instant diagnosis on recyclability. For more complex products or materials, Papercycle can perform laboratory testing using the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) recyclability test method. Subsequently, a technical review service is provided to examine how the product behaves under lab conditions, including the interaction of its various components. This review helps identify critical aspects and suggests potential material modifications, preparing fibre-based packaging for certification and expansion in the UK and other markets, considering local variations and requirements.
While all fibre-based packaging is theoretically recyclable, advancements in material development can present challenges in the recycling process. Basic recyclability assessments based on visual or simple compositional analysis are no longer adequate to capture the complexities and accurately reflect the true recyclability of packaging. Without a comprehensive assessment, unintended environmental consequences can occur, such as sending packaging to recycling facilities where it cannot be processed or increasing waste and contamination. Simplistic compositional analysis jeopardizes the progress toward a more circular economy and disrupts the recycling supply loop for businesses.
To address these issues, CPI has taken into account local and European industry standards and engaged extensively with stakeholders in the paper industry. Their collaboration has resulted in the development of Papercycle, which equips producers with real knowledge of the recycling loop. This knowledge supports the goal of keeping fibre-based materials in use for as long as possible, contributing to a more sustainable future.
With the ongoing EPR reforms, Papercycle’s certification service could facilitate the implementation of a standardized labeling system. Customers would receive a “recycle” label, as required by the UK’s mandatory recyclability labeling on packaging. Additionally, packaging certified as “recyclable” would attract lower Producer Responsibility (modulated) Fees, associated with compliance with the reformed Packaging Waste Regulations. Moreover, Papercycle helps consumers avoid confusion regarding recyclability.
Dimitra Rappou, CPI Director of Recycling, emphasized the importance of Papercycle’s service in addressing the growing confusion over the recyclability of packaging materials. By removing uncertainty for packaging designers, brands, retailers, and policymakers, Papercycle plays a vital role in promoting a circular economy for fibre-based packaging. This service enables waste reduction and lower carbon emissions by extending the lifespan of materials. Accurate information on recyclability empowers brands and manufacturers to develop packaging solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Dr. Ed Jones, the lead engineer at Kelp Industries Ltd, praised Papercycle’s Product Development Service for helping them secure key clients. The tailored reports and technical reviews provided by Papercycle instilled confidence in customers by demonstrating the recyclability of their new materials, with external validation from representatives of the paper processing industry.