Share Our Sustainability Story

Paperboard Packaging Recyclable Logo

In 2011, our industry hit a huge milestone. We crossed the 60% recyclable threshold, meaning that paperboard packaging is currently being collected for recycling in over 60% of communities in the United States!

 

That’s a win for the environment and the manufacturers of folding cartons and rigid boxes: you can now legally state that your paperboard packaging is “recyclable,” regardless of whether it’s made of virgin or recycled paper.

Share our positive sustainability story. Include PPC’s Paperboard Packaging Recyclable Logo on your boxes to communicate that consumers can—and should—recycle them.

Download the PPC Recyclable Logo Licensing Agreement

To have the agreement emailed or faxed to you, or for more info, email Kayla Brown-Frye or call 413.686.9191.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I get the logo? Is there a fee?

Both PPC members and non-members can use the logo free of charge. Simply sign the PPC Recyclable Logo Licensing Agreement and email or fax back to PPC.

We will provide you a high-resolution image of the logo in both vertical and landscape versions.

Can I use the logo on corrugated packaging?

No. This recyclable logo is reserved for paperboard packaging only.

Where is the best place to print the logo?

We recommend that you print the logo on the outside panel of minor flaps in black, dark blue, or any color on the outside of the package. If you are a qualified converter, you can feature the logo anywhere it could promote the use of paperboard packaging such as websites or QR code links.

Can the logo be printed on any type of paperboard packaging?

Do not print the logo on packaging that has direct wet food contact such as pizza boxes, aseptic packaging, UV-printed boxes, or milk cartons. You should advise your customer before printing the recyclable logo on cartons with specialty features such as foiling or windows. Not all municipalities can recycle such cartons.

 

Can the logo be printed on cartons or boxes being shipped to Canada?

According to the Canadian Paper & Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC),  you may use the logo if at least 50% of the population where the box is likely to end up has access to its recycling. PPEC has established that 94% of Canadians have access to the recycling of boxboard.

If the box is specifically going to more remote areas where recycling access is below 50% of the population (Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, North West Territories and Newfoundland and Labrador) then you should qualify the logo with words such as “Recyclable in communities where recycling is available.”