MATERIAL The fibres for the production come from coniferous and deciduous trees in the best case. An uncoated and unlaminated version is preferable, especially to simplify the digestion of the fibre and to prevent contamination. A one-sided plastic coating/plastic laminate can be recycled if the fibre content is > 95 %. Mineral fillers such as kaolin, talc and calcium carbonate as well as titanium dioxide (white pigment) and starch can be used without hesitation as they do not interfere in the recycling process.
Fibres from alternative, non-woody plants such as hemp and cotton etc. are a material that can potentially interfere with paper recycling. In small quantities, however, these are not critical. A one-sided plastic coating/plastic laminate can be used if required, if the fibre content remains between 95 % and 85 %.
The pulping of the fibres is also made more difficult by a plastic coating on both sides, wax coatings, siliconised paper and wet-strengthened fibre portions. Similarly, one-sided plastic coatings/plastic laminates should be avoided if the fibre content is < 85 %.
DECORATION AND OTHER COMPONENTS The printing shall be as minimal as possible and shall be carried out with EuPIA-compliant printing inks. Adhesive components such as windows, labels and other plastic components should be avoided. They should be designed in such a way that they can be easily separated in the recycling process or by the consumer. If the packaging is metallised, the metallisation should not cover more than 60% of the packaging surface. Viewing windows and other plastic components that cannot be easily separated from the paper are interfering materials. It is essential to avoid inks containing mineral oil, as these may contaminate the secondary fibres.
CLOSURE -SYSTEM Paper tapes can be used as long as the adhesive application does not lead to the formation of problematic stickies12. In general, it is important to use adhesive applications that do not lead to the formation of problematic stickies in the recycling process12. When using staples and plastic adhesive tapes, care should be taken to ensure that they can be separated in the recycling process or in advance by end consumers.
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PACKAGING TYPES
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