Brussels, 31 January 2025 – 4evergreen is proud to announce the release of the new version of the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol. This comprehensive document now incorporates significant advancements based on extensive feedback and collaboration among more than 100 stakeholders across the fibre-based packaging value chain.
This version builds upon the beta release published in December 2022. It introduces several key updates and new methodologies, bringing significant value to the fibre-based packaging sector. It provides a standardised protocol for evaluating recyclability, supporting regulatory compliance, and offering data-driven recommendations for improving packaging design and recycling processes.
The Protocol contains Part I on Recycling Mill with Conventional Process, which describes the assessment method for conventional recycling mills. Additionally, it now includes Part II, with expanded evaluation schemes and new scorecards for recycling mills using flotation-deinking processes to produce high-quality, deinked pulp, enhancing its applicability across different recycling scenarios, and Part III (specialised recycling mill) assessment is specific to recycling mills with specialised process (Used Beverage Cartons), and assesses the results of the Paper and Board.
One of the changes in this version is the update in terminology, where the term ‘Standard recycling mill’ has been replaced with ‘Recycling mill with the conventional process’ to better reflect the scope without altering the underlying processes.
The Protocol aligns with 4evergreen’s mission to raise the recycling rate of fibre-based packaging to 90% by 2030. By providing a standardised and harmonised protocol for evaluating the recyclability of fibre-based packaging, the document supports the alliance’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
For 2025 the topics to work on are already defined for the next evolutional steps of the protocol.
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