End Markets
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Introduction
Successful recovery requires markets that will buy the recovered material.
In some cases, MRFs sell the bales of recovered material to a re-processor, and in other cases straight to an end market where a new product with recycled content is manufactured. The good news for FSP recycling is that there are markets throughout North America that will purchase recovered foodservice packaging as part of commonly traded commodities.
PET cups and containers can be recovered either in a “Prepicked (#3-7)” bale or a “PET Bottle” bale. MRFs and communities are encouraged to talk to their PET bottle markets to see if they'll accept PET thermoforms in bottle bales. Many reclaimers accept thermofoams on a per-supplier basis, particularly from MRFs with automated sorting of PET.
Polypropylene cups and containers can be recovered in a polypropylene bale, a “Tubs and Lids” bale or a “Prepicked (#3-7)” bale.
Polystyrene (PS) cups and containers can be recovered in a polystyrene or a “Prepicked (#3-7)” bale. Foam polystyrene cups and containers may be densified and recovered in a separate foam polystyrene bale or sometimes in a “Prepicked (#3-7)” bale. For more information on foam polystyrene recycling, please check out www.recyclefoam.org.
Polylactic acid (PLA) cups and containers can be recovered in a PLA or “Prepicked (#3-7)” bale. The PLA recycling market is still young, with strides being made on its collection, processing and markets.
Paper Foodservice Packaging: 3/4 of the total targeted FSP tonnage
Clay coated and uncoated paper containers are a welcomed item in a “mixed paper” bale.
Poly coated paper cups and containers can be recovered through a “carton” bale and are also accepted by a growing number of mills as part of a mixed paper bale. Note that only about a third of all paper FSP is poly coated. In case you want even more detail, about half of that amount is single-sided poly and you guessed it, the other half is double-sided poly.
Pizza boxes are an acceptable inclusion for many OCC markets.
Paper bags have been an acceptable recovered material for years, going into "mixed paper" bales.
End Market Development
FPI engages with stakeholders to expand end markets for recovered foodservice packaging materials.
I M P A C T
PAPER CUPS ARE NOW ACCEPTED BY MILLS
REPRESENTING OVER 75%
OF U.S. AND CANADIAN MIXED PAPER DEMAND
Resources
