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PPEC study: Over 80 percent recycled content in Canadian paper packaging

The latest research results from the Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC) confirm that the feedstock used for the production of boxboard and containerboard in Canada is made of primarily recycled content fibres.

The 2022 results show that the average recycled content of domestic shipments for the top two major packaging grades was 80.2 percent. The average recycled content for domestic shipments of boxboard was 86.2 percent, while the average recycled content for domestic shipments of containerboard was 81 percent.

“These latest results continue to validate the success of our industry’s circular economy in collecting and recycling paper-based packaging and ensuring they are remade into new products again and again,” said Chris Bartlett, chair of PPEC. “With a recycled content rate of over 80 percent and confirmation that our boxboard and containerboard made in Canada is primarily recycled content fibres, we are proud of the progress our industry has and continues to make.”

The latest report represents the results of the 17^th biennial Recycled Content survey, which is conducted to determine the average recycled content contained in the major paper packaging grades made by Canadian mills. The report shows the success of the paper packaging circular economy in Canada.

In Canada, mills produce the raw material used to make paper-based packaging – and the majority use 100 percent recycled content – which is sent to a converter, where it is made into packaging products. Once used by the customer, it is recycled, making its way back to the mill to be remade into new paper packaging products.

“As an industry, we are committed to environmental sustainability and waste minimization. This survey reminds us of the importance of recycling and that every action taken can make a big impact,” says Rachel Kagan, executive director of PPEC. “Together, industry and consumers alike are helping to make a positive environmental difference.”