Proper disposal of corrugated cardboard
The recyclability of corrugated cardboard requires correct disposal and functioning collection and recycling systems.
Corrugated cardboard is a paper-based packaging material that should be recycled in existing waste paper cycles - provided it is disposed of properly. Corrugated board packaging can only be used as a raw material for new paper products if it is collected separately, free of relevant contaminants and fed into the designated recycling systems. As a manufacturer of corrugated base paper and corrugated cardboard packaging, we provide transparent information about the requirements for recycling, recognised evaluation methods and correct disposal as a crucial condition.
Recyclability is subject to conditions
The recyclability of corrugated cardboard is not a generalised product property, but depends on clearly defined framework conditions. These include in particular:
Note
Statements on recyclability therefore always refer to the case that these requirements are met. In this case, corrugated cardboard can be classified as Grade A recyclable (> 95%).
How to dispose of corrugated cardboard properly
Separate collection
Preparation
Remove impurities
Dry disposal
Established circulation systems and RESY
Corrugated cardboard is recycled in established collection, sorting and processing structures. The collected paper fibers are processed and reused as a secondary raw material, in particular for the production of corrugated base paper.
Our corrugated cardboard packaging is registered with the RESY system. The RESY mark indicates participation in an organised take-back and recycling system for transport packaging made of paper, cardboard and carton. The following also applies here: Actual recycling is linked to proper disposal by the user.
Material labelling as an orientation aid
Material labelling supports correct classification in the disposal process and provides information about the type of material
Note
This labelling serves as a guide to the material composition. They do not constitute a guarantee for actual recycling in individual cases. Proper disposal via the designated waste paper collection system remains decisive.
Further regulatory development
As part of the planned EU Regulation on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), it is planned to introduce a new, standardised labelling system across the EU from August 2028. This should also include a harmonised symbol for packaging made of paper, cardboard and corrugated cardboard and further standardise disposal information for consumers.
Classification according to PTS method and packaging law
The corrugated cardboard or corrugated cardboard packaging we produce is considered recyclable in accordance with PTS method RH 021-97 and can therefore be classified accordingly in accordance with the German Packaging Act on the basis of its main component, paper. This means that they are generally recyclable under realistic conditions of the existing paper recycling systems. However, actual recycling requires that the packaging is disposed of properly and fed into the designated collection systems.
Design for Recycling
Thinking about recycling right from the start
Recycling starts as early as the packaging development phase. The "Design for Recycling" concept aims to design corrugated cardboard packaging in such a way that it can be efficiently collected and processed under the real conditions of existing collection, sorting and recycling systems. This includes in particular:
- homogeneous material designs,
- the conscious and reduced use of additional materials,
- alignment with recognised sorting and recycling processes and
- a design that enables the end user to flatten the packaging intuitively, without tools (e.g. scissors or knives) and without additional aids, in order to ensure efficient collection and recycling volumes.
However, the full benefits of a recycling-friendly design can only be realised if the packaging is properly disposed of via the designated collection system at the end of its life cycle.
Sustainability aspect - factual and comprehensible
Corrugated cardboard can contribute to the efficient use of paper fibers within the framework of functioning recycling systems. The decisive factor is the interplay between recycling-friendly design, established collection and recovery systems and correct disposal behaviour. Environmental statements therefore always refer to these specific conditions and not to generalised assumptions.
Conclusion
The recyclability of corrugated cardboard can only be discussed if proper disposal is clearly stated as a prerequisite. Material labelling, recognised assessment methods such as PTS RH 021-97, classification in accordance with the Packaging Act and participation in systems such as RESY create transparency - but are no substitute for correct disposal. Only under these conditions can corrugated cardboard be part of a functioning recycling cycle.
Contact us
Do you have any questions about the proper disposal of corrugated cardboard? We will be happy to advise you.