PCPA Impact
Demonstrating recoverability and value
The Poly Coated Paper Alliance (PCPA) is a collaborative platform proving that poly coated paper packaging is recyclable at scale, reliably sortable in material recovery facilities (MRFs), and valuable to mills through rigorous testing and multi-state audits.
Proven Sortation Performance
RFID Testing Efficiency
RFID testing at a fiber-optical MRF shows strong real-world sorting accuracy.
74%
correctly identified and sorted into marketable bales
Sortation Study (APR 2D/3D)
Most tested formats consistently land in the right bales under a standardized protocol in a lab environment.
92%
capture rate into marketable bales
High Fiber Value Confirmed for Mills
Using the FBA/AF&PA repulpability testing protocol, PCPA analyzed 20 different poly coated paper packages.
All formats yielded significant usable fiber, proving their value to paper mills.
Minimum Fiber Yield Tested
Maximum Fiber Yield Tested
61%
84%
61% to 84% fiber yield achieved
Myths Dispelled
Bale Quality and Residue Hold Steady
Audits conducted across Maine, Massachusetts, California, Ohio, and Oregon show accepting poly coated paper does not degrade bale composition or raise food residue.
Composition Parity Confirmed
Bale quality (fiber mix) is maintained, showing no degradation in value compared to bales without poly coated paper items.
Residue Neutral
Audits found no significant increase in food residue, despite being used in food service and food contact categories.
Negligible Polymer Content
On average, polymer makes up just 0.53% of each bale — a very small fraction that does not compromise overall bale quality.
