Design for Mill Recyclability Guidance
The Poly Coated Paper Alliance completed the 2026 Design for Mill Recyclability Guidance, the first comprehensive U.S. design guide developed specifically for poly coated paper packaging.
The guide was created to address a longstanding gap for brands, converters, and manufacturers seeking clearer insight into how poly coated packaging design choices align with U.S. paper mill end markets. It provides practical guidance on packaging features and components that may affect mill compatibility, including coatings, adhesives, metallization, and other design elements.
The resource is grounded in direct mill input representing more than 90% of relevant domestic recovered fiber consumption, giving the industry a shared framework for stronger conversations around end-market compatibility.
The full design guide is available to PCPA members only. Becoming a member means collaborating with peers, sharing insights, and shaping the standards, data, and messaging that move our industry forward and make poly coated paper packaging recyclable at scale.