Recycled food and beverage cartons could be used to make moulded fiber packaging
TORONTO, ON and TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QC, July 24, 2024 — Recent research conducted by Innofibre found that recycled food and beverage cartons show great potential for use in making moulded fiber packaging. Currently, no manufacturer of such packaging in North America uses pulp made wholly or partly from fiber derived from recycled cartons.
For the research, Innofibre, a Quebec-based applied research center renowned for its expertise in the development of products made from plant fibers, produced pulp from recycled food and beverage cartons, which it then transformed into moulded products using two commonly used techniques: transfer moulding and thermoforming.
“Our tests confirmed that recycled carton fiber pulp has similar mechanical and physical properties to virgin kraft pulp,” explains principal researcher at Innofibre, Eric Desnoes. “This means that we can manufacture high-quality moulded products with it.”
According to the researcher, the strength of carton pulp is significantly higher than that of mechanical pulp, such as that obtained from old newspaper, which is currently the pulp most frequently used for moulded products made from recycled fibers. In addition, the research concludes that carton pulp would be particularly suitable for industrial manufacturing, given the relatively short production time of items and a shrinkage rate that does not interfere with nesting.
“Packaging made of recycled carton pulp could be used to contain or protect a wide variety of products in the food and non-food industries,” says Isabelle Faucher, Managing Director of Carton Council of Canada, which commissioned the research.
The partnership with Innofibre aims to encourage the emergence of new local recyclers for cartons collected in Canada, with possibilities in the U.S. as well. The Carton Council hopes to collaborate with pulp and moulded packaging manufacturers in both countries who would be willing to further explore the possibilities offered by recycled carton pulp.
The full Innofibre research report can be downloaded here.
Images
- Innofibre logo
- CCC logo
- Examples of cartons
- Thermoformed (left) and transfer moulded (right) packaging made from recycled cartons
- Thermoformed tray made from recycled cartons
###
About Food and Beverage Cartons
Food and beverage cartons are fiber-based packages that contain some of the highest quality fiber available in the recycling steam. There are two types of cartons: aseptic and gable top. Aseptic cartons are shelf-stable and are often used to store products like broth, soups, juices or milk for long periods without the need for preservatives or refrigeration. Gable top cartons require refrigeration and are often considered the traditional milk carton.
About Innofibre—Cellulosic Products Innovation Centre
Innofibre’s vision is to be recognized as a key player in the establishment of Quebec’s bioeconomy. Innofibre supports the innovation and diversification of biomass products and adapts pulp and paper technologies into innovative processes. Innofibre owns specialized analytical laboratories and pilot facilities unique in North America. Our partners can count on a multidisciplinary team to meet their needs and carry out applied research mandates. For more information, visit https://innofibre.ca/en
About The Carton Council
The Carton Council is composed of four leading carton manufacturers, Elopak, Pactiv Evergreen, SIG and Tetra Pak. Formed in 2009, the Carton Council works to deliver long-term collaborative solutions to divert valuable cartons from the landfill. Through a united effort, the Carton Council is committed to building a sustainable infrastructure for carton recycling in the U.S. and works toward its goals of adding access to carton recycling, as well as increased recycling rates, nationwide. For more information, visit RecycleCartons.com