Georgia-Pacific, a leading manufacturer of paper products, has expanded its paper cup recycling initiatives at its Savannah River mill in Rincon, Georgia. The facility now accepts polyethylene-coated paper cups in its mixed paper stock for recycling, marking a significant step in sustainable waste management.
This move comes as a response to the increasing popularity of single-use paper cups, which has led to a rise in paper cup waste. By accepting mixed paper bales containing PE-coated cups, Georgia-Pacific aims to reuse fibers from these cups to produce a range of products such as tissues, towels, and napkins, underlining its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Georgia-Pacific’s efforts have been bolstered by partnerships with industry organizations like the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) and the NextGen Consortium, managed by Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy. These collaborations have been instrumental in promoting the acceptance of PE-coated cups for recycling and advancing sustainable practices in the foodservice packaging industry.
Historically, PE coatings on paper cups, along with liquid and food residues, posed challenges in the recycling process. However, Georgia-Pacific has successfully demonstrated through re-pulping trials that it can recover valuable cup fiber while screening out PE coatings, allowing for the reuse of fibers in the production of various paper products.
Kate Daly, managing partner of Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy, commended Georgia-Pacific’s efforts, emphasizing the positive impact on the foodservice industry and the environment. Daly highlighted the importance of building critical markets for recycled materials from paper cups and praised Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to expanding cup recycling across its operations.
Georgia-Pacific is also exploring next-generation paper cups with bio-based materials that are recyclable and compostable, in collaboration with the NextGen Consortium. By engaging its Rincon, Green Bay, and Muskogee mills in these initiatives, the company is working towards increasing the acceptance of PE-coated paper cups in curbside recycling programs, aiming to reach a wider audience of households for paper cup recycling.
Partnering with FPI, Georgia-Pacific is dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of its products and advancing recycling and composting practices. Natha Dempsey, president of FPI, expressed pride in collaborating with Georgia-Pacific to recover and reuse poly-coated paper cups, highlighting the potential to expand recycling capabilities to new communities.
Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to sustainability extends across its diverse product portfolio, which includes bath tissue, paper towels, napkins, and paper-based packaging. With a wide range of consumer brands under its umbrella, the company has positioned itself as a leader in promoting eco-friendly practices and driving innovation in the paper industry.
Through its comprehensive recycling initiatives and collaborations with industry partners, Georgia-Pacific is paving the way for a more sustainable future in the foodservice packaging sector. By embracing recycling technologies and exploring new materials, the company is setting a precedent for responsible waste management and environmental conservation in the paper cup industry.
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