The most important things first
Recycling carton is composed partly or entirely of recycled paper fibers and can be suitable for many packaging applications depending on quality. However, the decisive factor is never just the fiber origin, but always the entire packaging structure with product protection, processing, food contact and barrier requirements. Therefore, recycling carton is not categorically better or worse than fresh fiber carton, but must be assessed case by case.
At PAWI Packaging Schweiz AG we repeatedly see in practice: the material choice is quickly reduced to whether a carton is made from recycled fibers. For a viable packaging solution, this is not enough, because basis weight, surface, strength, transport, storage and later recycling also play a role.
What is recycling carton and how does it differ from fresh fiber carton?
Recycling carton is made entirely or partly from fibers that have already been used at least once in paper or carton products. Waste paper is processed and reused as fiber raw material. In fresh fiber carton, the fibers come from newly produced pulp.
The essential difference lies in the origin of the fibers. Depending on carton quality and construction, the share of recycled fibers can vary, and surface, strength and other technical properties vary from type to type.
How often paper fibers can be reused is limited. With each processing, their properties change, so virgin fibers remain important in the paper cycle.
Is recycling carton the more ecological choice?
This cannot be answered in a blanket manner. The origin of the fibers is only one of several factors that influence the overall assessment of a packaging.
- Carton quality and basis weight
- Energy and water consumption in production
- Energy supply and transport routes
- Material losses during processing
- Coatings, barriers and end-of-life utilization
From the use of recycled fibers alone, no general statement about the sustainability of the entire packaging can be derived.
Where is recycling carton used in packaging?
Recycling carton is suitable for many packaging types, such as folding cartons, trays, outer packaging and other components for food and non-food products. Depending on the grade, differences in strength, surface, color and basis weight can be noticeable.
These properties determine for which constructions, product weights and transport and storage conditions a carton quality is suitable. Aesthetic requirements also play a role in material selection, as recycled cartons are now available in different qualities and surfaces.
When is recycling carton suitable for food packaging?
Food packaging has special requirements, especially when the packaging comes into direct contact with the food. Recovered fibers can contain substances from previous uses, such as components of printing inks or glues.
- Kind of food and its characteristics
- Direct or indirect contact with food
- Contact and storage duration
- Temperature
- Fat and moisture content of the food
- Possible substance migration
- Required barrier properties
Recycling carton can under certain conditions also be suitable for direct contact with food. The product, contact conditions and the entire packaging structure always determine suitability.
What role do functional barriers play?
Depending on the product and construction, functional barriers can help limit the transfer of certain substances from the carton to the food. In design, the type of food, contact conditions and the intended use period must be considered.
Barrier alone is not enough
A functional barrier does not automatically make recycling carton suitable for every food contact. Only the interplay of carton quality, construction and usage duration determines whether the packaging is appropriate.
Recycling carton or fresh fiber carton, which fits better?
| Criterion | Recycling carton | Fresh fiber carton |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber origin | Recycled paper fibers | Newly produced pulp fibers |
| Typical differences | Quality, surface and strength vary by type | Often different properties depending on application and construction |
| Decision | Suitable if product and process requirements fit | Suitable if application requires newly produced fibers |
| Assessment | Always evaluate in the context of protection, processing and end-of-life |
Which carton quality fits cannot be answered universally. At PAWI we consider product protection, required stability, material use, food contact, barrier properties, printing and finishing requirements as well as transport and storage.
Depending on the application, recycling carton, fresh fiber carton or a multi-layer carton with different fiber qualities may be the right solution. The decisive factor is to align product, packaging process and material cleanly.
Frequently asked questions
Can recycling carton come into direct contact with food?
Why isn't a barrier automatically a complete solution?
How can I tell whether recycling carton or fresh fiber carton is more sensible?
For which packaging is recycling carton used particularly often?
Recycling carton adds already used paper fibers to another use. Whether it is the right choice for your packaging always depends on the technical and product-specific requirements.
At PAWI Packaging Schweiz AG, therefore, we do not view recycling carton in isolation, but select material and packaging construction tailored to the respective application. If you want to use recycling carton purposefully, we will check with you the suitable carton quality for your product and your packaging process.
Welche Kartonqualität passt zu Ihrer Verpackung?
PAWI Packaging Schweiz AG, Winterthur