PRESS RELEASE: Poly Coated Paper Recycling Gains Industry Backing as Alliance Adds New Members
Domtar, NextGen Consortium, Smurfit Westrock, and Toppan Inc. join PCPA
ANN ARBOR, MI>>> (March 10, 2026) — The Poly Coated Paper Alliance (PCPA) announced that Domtar, NextGen Consortium, Smurfit Westrock, and Toppan Inc. have joined the Alliance, expanding its work to advance practical, scalable recycling solutions for poly coated paper packaging in the U.S. PCPA focuses on paper-based packaging with polymer coatings or laminations, including common formats used in foodservice, beverage, household, and personal care.
These new members represent key points across the paper and packaging value chain, from mills and packaging manufacturers to cross-sector recovery collaboratives. Their participation signals increasing market confidence in the recyclability of poly coated paper packaging as well as a shared focus on improving the systems required to scale it.
“As a company that produces paperboard, Smurfit Westrock depends on consistent recycling outcomes. PCPA offers additional visibility into system performance and provides a way to engage constructively with others working on recovery challenges,” said Alison Kim, vice president of Innovation and Marketing, Smurfit Westrock.
PCPA has built a foundational dataset that traces how poly coated paper packaging moves through the recycling system from collection to end markets. PCPA is now focused on closing gaps by improving data completeness, aligning guidance, and supporting consistent recovery and market acceptance.
But addressing these challenges and scaling solutions requires coordination across the entire value chain, rather than fragmented or single company approaches. The addition of these companies with deep operational expertise supports market development and helps reduce friction across collection, processing, and manufacturing realities.
“Our role is to bring more of the value chain into the same room for candid, technical discussions,” said Shannon Moore, Director of Global Packaging Sustainability, Mars Snacking. “Every new member strengthens the shared understanding needed to make better decisions across the system and we’re excited to welcome Domtar, NextGen, Smurfit Westrock, and Toppan into the mix.”
As recycling policy frameworks evolve, including the continued expansion of EPR programs in several states, end-market readiness and clear material pathways are increasingly important to program performance. PCPA continues to align recycling pathways to ensure poly coated paper can be managed effectively in real-world recycling systems.
PCPA welcomes additional organizations interested in contributing to the advancement of poly coated paper recovery. Membership is open year-round. For more information about the Poly Coated Paper Alliance and how to become a member, please visit www.polycoatedpaperalliance.com.