DENTON, Texas – March 4, 2025 – The Carton Council of North America is proud to announce the appointment of Jordan Fengel as its new executive director, marking an exciting new chapter in the organization’s journey to increase the recycling of food and beverage cartons.
Fengel brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the role, having served as the director of government affairs for the Carton Council and the market sustainability manager for Tetra Pak in the U.S. and Canada. Prior, he was the executive director of the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR). His deep understanding of recycling, knowledge of the political landscape and stakeholder relationships will be invaluable as he drives the Carton Council to realize its standing mission to expand carton recycling in the U.S. and Canada.
“I’m honored to take on this position and lead the Carton CounciI into its next chapter,” said Fengel. “Recycling is at a pivotal point, with policy becoming increasingly important, and the need for industry and government collaboration more necessary than ever. The Carton Council has always worked closely with stakeholders across the entire recycling value chain, including local governments, sorting facilities, end markets, brands and schools. I’m excited to build upon this to make carton recycling in the U.S. and Canada even more successful.”
Since launching in 2009, the Carton Council has increased household access to carton recycling by 238%. Today, more than 77 million households in the U.S. can recycle their food and beverage cartons through their local recycling programs. Additionally, over 11,700 schools have established carton recycling programs.
Under Fengel’s leadership, the organization aims to accelerate carton recycling efforts amid evolving industry dynamics, with a renewed strategic focus and commitment. Earlier this year, the Carton Council, in partnership with Elof Hansson and the UpCycling Group, announced a new recycling manufacturing facility that will open later in 2025 in Lodi, California. This facility will expand domestic end markets for cartons on the West Coast.
For more information about the Carton Council and its efforts to advance carton recycling, visit RecycleCartons.com
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About Food and Beverage Cartons
Food and beverage cartons contain primarily high-quality fiber, with small amounts of plastic, and in the case of shelf-stable cartons, aluminum. There are two types of cartons: aseptic and gable top. Aseptic cartons are shelf-stable and are often used for products like broth, soups, juices and milk, allowing long-term storage without the need for preservatives or refrigeration. Gable top cartons require refrigeration and are often considered the traditional milk carton. When recycled, both types of cartons can be transformed into new paper products or sustainable building materials, contributing to a circular economy.
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 Canada and works toward its goals of adding access to carton recycling, as well as increasing recycling rates. For more information, visit RecycleCartons.com.