Sustainability Standards and Definitions for Coated Paper

Consumers are increasingly aware of the life cycle of packaging and its place in the circular economy (CE). The power of consumer choice and brand loyalty has required the packaging industry to reassess its relationship with waste, resources, and material use. Paper packaging, in many circumstances, fits well into the circular economy model because paper is a highly recyclable and renewable resource.

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REPULPABILITY AND RECYCLABILITY: EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES

Repulpability testing is performed first to determine fiber yield. If fiber yield is acceptable, recyclability testing is then completed to determine the coated article‘s ability to be recovered through the complete process, and whether the resultant fiber can be reused. Recycling protocols in all regions are different. Information for Europe and the United States is provided below.

PROTOCOL ACCORDING TO THE FBA (FIBER BOX ASSOCIATION), USED IN THE UNITED STATES

  • Repulpability: $750, 100g of packaging, 1-2 week turnaround time.
  • Recyclability: requires 200lbs of coated product and 800lbs of control, $6,750 per product, turnaround time is 3-5 weeks.
  • Testing facility at a university in the United States: http://wmupilotplant.com/recycling

PROTOCOL ACCORDING TO PTS RH021-97, USED IN EUROPE

COMPOSTABILITY

Three tests for compostability:

  1. Biodegradation: ≥90% of the organic carbon is converted to carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within 180 days.
  2. Disintegration: No more than 10% of the original dry weight can remain after sieving on a 2.0mm sieve after 12 weeks of controlled composting.
  3. Eco-toxicity: No adverse impact on ability of compost to support plant growth; no fluorine or heavy metals
  • Applying a compostable coating doesn’t automatically make a structure compostable. There are limits for the use of virgin or recycled fibers. Substrates need to be evaluated separately or can be done as a coated article.
  • Test protocols also exist for biodegradation in other environments (home compost, aquatic, soil).

The 1% Rule and Application

  • Any organic component in a coating greater than 1% by dry weight has to be tested as an individual raw material for compostability.
  • Any organic component less than 1% by dry weight does not, but the sum total of all organic additives cannot exceed 5% by dry weight.
  • If the organic component is less than 1% then only ecotoxicity, heavy metals, and fluorine testing are required to prove compostability.
Standard Application

ASTM D6868

Applies to the coating separate from the paper. Followed by BPI.

EN13432

Applies to the completed article for paper and plastic structures. Followed by TUV Austria. BNQ and ABA use this as a guideline for their certifi- cation schemes as well.

ASTM D6400

Applies to the complete article for plastic structures. Followed by BPI.

TESTING OPTIONS

Coatings can be tested individually (sans substrate) if the substrate has already been tested and verified.

  • Ecotoxicity, heavy metals, & fluorine content: Minimum testing for a component that will be used at ≤1% by dry weight according to EN13432 or ASTM D6400.
    • Approximately $5,000 per coating.
    • Must be done to set usage limits of a coating, especially if intended to be applied at ≥1% of the article.
  • Biodegradation testing: for any material to be used ≥1% in EN13432, ASTM D6400, or any paper coating for use in the USA for ASTM D6868.
    • Has to be done with ecotoxicity, heavy metals, and fluorine content testing.
    • An additional $5,000 per coating. Multiple sample discounts are available.
  • Disintegration: May be required of the completed article; contact a testing lab for quotes.
  • Certification cost varies by body, but is typically $1,500-2,000 per item. Certification is valid for three years then must be renewed for an additional fee, typically $1,000 per item.

CERTIFICATION

Multiple internationally recognized testing bodies are available to use and are listed on the certification body websites.

Updated: September 10, 2023