All Resources
Plastic Cups Bale Sort Study (2015)
As part of the most comprehensive post-consumer plastic container bale sorts done in North Amercia, this plastic cups bale sort study conducted in 2015 showed which rigid plastic bales contained plastic cups as well as the plastic resin types and volumes of plastic cups in each bale type.
Current Acceptance of FSP
To get a better idea of the current acceptance of FSP by cities and/or MRFs in the U.S. and Canada, a benchmarking study was conducted in 2013. While the responses varied widely, the results were encouraging.
Foodservice Packaging in Mixed Paper Bales
To test the impact of paper foodservice packaging in mixed paper bales, a bale audit was conducted with bales purchased from New York City and Seattle markets.
Plastic Cups Bale Sort Study (2021)
To build on knowledge gained during prior studies, FPI participated in an audit to obtain a current snapshot of the prevalence of plastic cups in #3-#7 bales.
Projected Impact of FSP on Existing Bales
Adding foodservice packaging to existing bales makes very little difference to their composition. Learn more about the estimated prevalence of FSP in bales.
MRF Material Flow Study
FPI, along with its co-sponsors, the American Chemistry Council, Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers, Carton Council and National Association for PET Container Resources, conducted a study to analyze the flow of select materials through a MRF and identify best practices to get more recyclables actually recycled.
Paper Mill Statement
In 2021, a group of prominent paper mills and end markets signed a declaration of acceptance and a commitment to increasing recycling of paper cups.
Read more
Recycling End Markets Interactive Map
For MRFs to accept materials, there must be end markets! Explore an interactive map of end markets for a variety of foodservice packaging materials.
Information Sheet for MRFs
Explore our go-to information sheet to understand the basics of foodservice packaging recovery that every community or MRF should know.
Food Residue Webinar
Some communities have expressed concern about adding foodservice packaging to a recycling program because of food residue. But, two recent studies have shown that foodservice packaging is no more contaminated with food than other commonly recycled food-contact items like bottles, jars or cans. View the webinar on this topic for more information.
Resident Messaging Survey Findings
What is the best way to communicate to residents? A residential messaging survey was conducted to gauge the effect of images, language and special instructions in communicating with the greatest clarity about recycling foodservice packaging.
Food Residue Study
Some communities have expressed concern about adding foodservice packaging to a recycling program because of food residue. But, two recent studies have shown that foodservice packaging is no more contaminated with food than other commonly recycled food-contact items like bottles, jars or cans.
Clarity of Messaging Findings Webinar
Learn best practices for your recycling outreach materials from representatives of the Foodservice Packaging Institute, The Recycling Partnership, and Keep America Beautiful in our webinar.
Polypropylene Recovery
Markets for postconsumer polypropylene are on the rise. Read more about polypropylene recovery and end market demand for this resin.
The State of Paper Cup Recycling
A new white paper, authored by Moore & Associates, delves into the evolving landscape of paper cup recovery efforts in the U.S. and Canada including recycling challenges, technical aspects of material sorting and processing, and end markets utilizing recovered cups.
Resident Education Kit
FPI is committed to making resident outreach on recycling and composting of foodservice packaging (FSP) simple and effective. We have resources to help you, whether you’re looking to add to your current educational material or you’re starting from scratch.
Recycling and Composting in Your Community Webinar
For the latest resources and studies to assist your community in reaching recycling and composting goals view our webinar.
The State of Restaurant Sustainability 2018
Did you know?
Nearly two-thirds of restaurants recycle their cardboard or paper. Over a quarter of restaurants recycle their plastics, cans or glass.
More than one in ten restaurants compost their food scraps, typically collected both back and front of house.
See more of the survey results here.
Foodservice Operators Signage Template
You can create your own signage with the help of our template. Download, and mix and match the materials based on your hauler’s specifications in each of the recycling, compost or landfill signs.
Foodservice Operators Toolkit
FPI has created a toolkit to assist foodservice operators in establishing in-store recycling and composting programs.