Recyclability of Packaging Materials to be Tested

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) December 7, 2011 - The Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology has been approved to perform certain tests of the Voluntary Standard for Repulping and Recycling Corrugated Fiberboard. WIST, an institute at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, will act as a subcontractor to IPS Testing Services of Appleton, Wis. The protocol is used to certify the repulpability and recyclability of wax alternatives for corrugated products that have been treated to improve performance in the presence of water and water vapor. The approval is the result of a recent audit by the Corrugated Packaging Alliance protocol technical team of IPS Testing Experts’ facilities and those of the WIST pilot paper machine lab.

The approval means that companies that wish to have material certified to meet the Voluntary Standard now have another option. The IPS Testing Experts/WIST collaboration becomes the fourth laboratory approved to perform the Voluntary Standard protocol. Others are NC State University, Department of Wood & Paper Science, in Raleigh, North Carolina; Western Michigan University Pilot Plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan; and Centre Specialise en Pates et Papiers (CSPP) in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada.   “The addition of a fourth testing lab will help move certifications forward,” said Dwight Schmidt, Fibre Box Association president and Executive Director of the Corrugated Packaging Alliance, “at a time when the use of recyclable wax alternatives is growing dramatically. A new study showed a 30 percent increase in the use of these alternatives in 2010. As retailers’ interest and faith in these recyclable alternatives grow, and as more viable solutions are developed, it’s important to ensure that the infrastructure necessary to evaluate them keeps up with demand.” Thirty-eight recyclable wax alternatives have passed certification testing and are registered with the FBA as of July, 2011.   With the recyclability protocol, WIST adds another service to its paper industry offerings, which includes a pilot paper machine available for additive studies, grade development and production runs.   About the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology: Through its three divisions, the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) offers laboratory services, outreach education, and research to help businesses and organizations accomplish their goals in ways that make more sustainable use of natural resources. Technology and ideas developed by WIST and its partners will spur economic growth in Wisconsin and the region and help preserve a healthy environment for future generations. For more information visit the WIST website at www.uwsp.edu/wist. To inquire about WIST testing services contact Don Guay at 715-346-4746.   About IPS Testing Services: Based in Appleton, Wisconsin, Integrated Paper Services (IPS), Inc., serves as an independent testing lab for the paper and pulp, nonwovens, personal care products and healthcare and allied industries. Our laboratory combines physical and analytical testing and interpretive data analysis to offer testing services that help improve and ensure the quality of countless products and many household names you have come to trust across the Midwest and United States, North America and internationally. To inquire about IPS services contact Chris Reitmeyer at 920-749-3040 Ext 119.   About the Corrugated Packaging Alliance: The Corrugated Packaging Alliance (www.corrugated.org) is a corrugated industry initiative jointly sponsored by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) (www.afandpa.org), the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) (www.aiccbox.org) and the Fibre Box Association (FBA) (www.fibrebox.org). For more information visit http://www.corrugated.org/WaxAlternatives or contact the Corrugated Packaging Alliance at 800.886.5255.   WIST19230