Achieving a 90% recycling rate for paper-based packaging by 2030 requires practical, harmonised tools that help the value chain assess recyclability and support innovation.

To support this ambition, 4evergreen has published new Macrostickies monitoring tool as part of its Recyclability Evaluation Protocol, one of the industry’s leading frameworks for evaluating the recyclability of paper-based packaging.

The latest update introduces:

• A new Macrostickies monitoring parameter within the Recyclability Evaluation Scorecard.

• A dedicated Monitoring Annex providing guidance on implementation and interpretation.

The Macrostickies parameter is included as a separate monitoring indicator and does not affect the overall Technical Recyclability Score. This allows companies and laboratories to gain experience with the methodology, compare results and contribute insights while continuing to use the existing Protocol framework.

The Monitoring Annex also establishes a framework for sharing data and feedback, helping build industry knowledge and support future developments.

This publication represents another step in 4evergreen’s work to provide practical tools that support the circularity of paper-based packaging. As the industry works towards its 2030 recycling target, data-driven collaboration and harmonised assessment methods will remain essential to improving packaging design, enhancing recyclability and increasing recycling performance across Europe.

Help shape the next phase

Download the updated documents HERE, try the new Macrostickies monitoring tools and share your feedback with the 4evergreen community.

User feedback will help strengthen the methodology, improve understanding of its application across different packaging formats and support future developments of the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol.

Terminology updates

4evergreen has also updated terminology across the Recyclability Evaluation Protocol documents to align with the latest language used across the wider 4evergreen toolbox and evolving regulatory developments.

This includes the transition from “fibre-based packaging” to “paper-based packaging” and from ”used carton beverage” (UBC) to “liquid packaging carton”. These updates support greater consistency across 4evergreen deliverables while helping ensure alignment with emerging industry terminology, standardisation activities, and future regulatory developments.