A new horizon for fibre-based packaging recyclability. Paper Technology International 2025 4 Evergreen Alliance

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
How the Protocol Works
At its core, the protocol evaluates packaging recyclability using a series of
measurable criteria derived from established laboratory tests and practical recycling
outcomes. It assesses fibre-based packaging against four key parameters:
•
Disintegration: the ability of the
material to break down into fibrous
components under typical pulping
conditions.
•
Fibre Yield: the proportion of
usable fibres recovered after
processing.
•
Screening Eficiency: the removal
of coarse non-paper components
like plastic films or rigid parts.
•
Impurities: the quantity and nature of residual materials
that might interfere with the quality of recycled fibre.
Each test yields quantitative results, which are then
interpreted using colour-coded scorecards. Green indicates high
recyclability, amber signals potential issues, and red denotes
materials unlikely to be recycled successfully in that process.
Importantly, the protocol does not offer a single recyclability “label”
or pass/fail verdict. Instead, it highlights how a particular packaging
item performs across different recycling streams.
This modular, process-specific approach can adjust to the
changing nature of packaging materials and recycling technologies.
It allows for updates as new materials emerge and recycling
capabilities evolve.
Designed by the Industry, for the Industry
The value of the protocol lies not only in what it does, but
in how it was developed. The process brought together technical
experts from across the fibre-based value chain— each with unique
insights into their part of the recycling puzzle. These contributors
included leading brands, packaging designers, mill operators,
academics, and technology specialists.
Crucially, the collaborative model enabled the group to
address divergent views and develop shared definitions. For
example, what constitutes a “recyclable” barrier layer in one mill
might be problematic in another. By testing real packaging materials
in real- world scenarios, the group was able to move beyond
theoretical debates and ground its conclusions in evidence. This
consensus-driven approach ensured that the protocol would be both
credible and practical. The extensive testing campaigns—some
conducted at industrial pilot facilities—also helped validate that the
protocol could be applied at scale.
The diversity of participants also brought resilience to the
process. Rather than representing a single viewpoint, the protocol
reflects the realities faced by converters, brands, recyclers, and
material providers alike. In doing so, it offers a more balanced,
equitable approach to assessing recyclability—one that doesn’t
favour one technology or product category over another, but instead
builds a level playing field rooted in evidence.
Supporting Regulatory and Design Needs
The release of the protocol comes at a time of growing
regulatory scrutiny. New packaging and packaging waste rules
across Europe are setting recyclability performance thresholds,
minimum recycled content requirements, and mandatory labelling
schemes.
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To comply with these regulations, producers need clear,
reliable ways to demonstrate that their packaging is indeed
recyclable.
The protocol offers one such pathway. It provides objective
data that can support recyclability claims, inform eco-modulation of
extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees, and guide design-forrecycling initiatives.
For packaging developers, the tool can highlight design
features that may hinder recyclability—such as certain barrier
coatings, inks, or constructions. This insight allows for earlier, more
targeted interventions in the packaging development cycle, reducing
reliance on trial-and-error methods.
It also offers a valuable benchmark during material
development. For R&D teams, understanding how new materials or
design choices might score in different recycling processes provides
crucial foresight, accelerating the development of packaging that
meets recyclability goals.
The protocol is not only a compliance aid—it also functions
as a design reference. By using the tool at early design stages,
brands can make informed decisions that align with recyclability
goals from the outset. Designers and engineers alike can use
protocol insights to avoid pitfalls that may only become evident
at end-of-life, leading to better packaging outcomes and lower
environmental impact.
Beyond the technical and regulatory applications, the
protocol plays a key role in building consumer trust. With clear,
data-supported assessments, companies can offer transparent
communication about the environmental attributes of their
packaging. This can help consumers make more informed choices
and foster a deeper understanding of the recycling process itself.
When people understand how and why packaging is recyclable—or
not—they’re more likely to engage meaningfully with recycling
behaviours. In this way, the protocol doesn’t just serve the industry,
but also empowers the broader public to participate in circularity with
greater awareness and purpose.
Impact Beyond the Mill Gate
Beyond regulatory compliance and packaging design,
the protocol also contributes to broader sustainability goals. It
strengthens the business case for improving recyclability by offering
data that brands and manufacturers can use in their sustainability
reporting. It also supports better communication between value
chain partners—by giving them a shared language to discuss
recyclability performance.

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