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Paper packaging produced in Canada nears 80% recycled content

The average recycled content of paper packaging produced by Canadian mills for use in Canada has jumped to 77%, according to PPEC (Paper & Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council).

The average recycled content of paper packaging produced by Canadian mills for use in Canada has jumped to 77%, according to PPEC (Paper & Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council).

“This is a very impressive result,” states PPEC executive director John Mullinder. “The average has increased by 30% over the past 20 years and we’re very proud of it.

“But we also have to understand that recycled content is only one part of paper’s life cycle and that the packaging material produced in Canada is only half of what Canadians actually use, the balance being imported as raw materials or converted boxes, bags or cartons. We have no control over the composition of imported board.”

According to Mullinder, the Canadian industry is heavily weighted to recycled content, adding that of the 30 mill sites capable of producing packaging grades in 2010, almost two-thirds produced 100% recycled content, with the balance using a blend of recycled and virgin, or 100% virgin material.

Domestic shipments of containerboard used to make corrugated boxes averaged 82% recycled content in 2010 while the lighter boxboard carton averaged 77% recycled content.

For more information on PPEC, visit www.ppec-paper.com.