our work in action
At 4evergreen, more than 380 experts from across the paper-based packaging value chain are working together to develop practical, evidence-based tools that support a low carbon, climate neutral society.
Our guidelines and protocols are designed to improve circularity at every stage of the packaging life cycle. They are built on rigorous testing, expert consensus and real-world application. Each document is a living resource, continuously updated to reflect the latest industry knowledge.
Our initial focus was on packaging compatible with conventional recycling mills. Today, our scope includes packaging that requires flotation deinking and specialised recycling processes.
“Discover the Alliance’s milestones on our brochure, page 2”
WS-3 Guidance on the Improved Collection and Sorting (2026)
Based on a comprehensive review of European best practices, this guidance supports the development of infrastructure that meets legal requirements and helps achieve our 90% recycling rate target.
Version 4 maintains the core recommendation of a two‑stream household system: one stream for paper‑and‑board materials, and one for lightweight packaging (LWP). This approach helps minimise contamination, increases yield, and ensures each type of packaging reaches the appropriate recycling infrastructure.
New or expanded content in Version 4 includes:
– General recommendations for recycling of paper-based packaging in paper-based composite packaging other than LPC mills and paper mills with flotation-deinking process;
– A deeper technical overview of sorting processes and technologies, including NIR systems, AI applications, and innovations that improve the detection of composite packaging.
