Which paper and cardboard packaging is recyclable in Switzerland? How should lightweight packaging such as composite paper and cardboard packaging be assessed? As part of the Paper & Cardboard expert group of the Circular Economy Products and Materials platform, we have developed the white paper “Paper and Cardboard – a General Overview” together with Swiss Recycle. The facts gathered are based on international standards and national criteria.
Status Quo
The collection volume and quality of paper and cardboard are traditionally high in Switzerland. Collection is organised by municipalities and special-purpose associations in cooperation with transport and recycling companies. The collection criteria are defined by the Recycling Paper and Cardboard Association (RPK) in the Positive-Negative List.
Problem
Due to circular economy targets in EU countries, more and more packaging made of paper and cardboard composite material is being placed on the market as lightweight packaging. If end consumers incorrectly identify these as recyclable, they end up in the paper and cardboard collection stream. This reduces the collection quality because the lightweight packaging is currently (Model and Perlen factories) not recyclable in Switzerland and must be incinerated. It is therefore recommended that this packaging be labelled with the appropriate waste bag pictogram (see Product Labelling Guide).
We recommend having the actual recyclability checked practically using laboratory tests or test criteria of the Model and Perlen factories – whenever possible before a new packaging is launched.
Objective of the White Paper
In order to maintain the high collection quality in Switzerland, the white paper aims to create a common understanding of relevant international standards and national criteria that influence the recyclability of paper and cardboard packaging.
The white paper is now available online and can be downloaded free of charge here or on our knowledge website. The continuous development of this white paper is essential. If you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us!