CHEVY CHASE, MD — Ultraviolet and electron beam (UV+EB) cured inks have been found to cause few problems in the recycling process, according to a recent study by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). The AF&PA Design Guidance for Recyclability rated UV+EB inks as not adversely impacting the recyclability of corrugated packaging, bleached paperboard cartons, recycled/unbleached boxboard coated/uncoated, carrier stock cartons unbleached Kraft paperboard, Kraft paper bags, multiwall shipping sacks, and molded fiber containers.

"With increased interest among consumer products companies to provide more recyclable packaging for their customers, AF&PA recognized the opportunity to bring clarity to how packaging gets recycled in paper mills and how various non-fiber elements affect the recyclability of paper-based packaging," said Brian Hawkinson, Executive Director, American Forest & Paper Association. "The objective of the Design Guidance for Paper-based Packaging is to present research-based findings on the effect on recyclability of various non-fiber elements frequently found on paper-based packaging. We believe this guidance will prove useful to members of the paper-based packaging manufacturing supply chain — consumer products companies that desire more recyclable packaging, designers that specify it, and the manufacturers and converters who make it — helping them better achieve their goals."

To learn more about the RadTech Sustainability Committee, e-mail uveb@radtech.org. For more information about UV+EB technology, visit www.radtech.org.

Learn more about the American Forest & Paper Association at www.afandpa.org. To download the Design Guidance, click here.