PRESS RELEASE: Poly Coated Paper Alliance Welcomes Graphic Packaging International to Leadership
Global paperboard packaging leader brings added momentum to recovery, market development, and policy progress for poly coated paper
ANN ARBOR, MI>>> (January 20, 2026) — The Poly Coated Paper Alliance (PCPA) today announced that Graphic Packaging International has joined its leadership committee, strengthening PCPA’s cross-industry coalition to advance recovery, build end markets, and scale circular solutions for poly coated paper. A global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, Graphic Packaging serves many of the world’s leading food, beverage and foodservice brands, alongside other key markets. The company brings proven design, manufacturing, and sustainability expertise that marks a significant step toward the Alliance’s goal of making poly coated paper a common item in the recycling bin.
“We’re excited to join PCPA at this pivotal moment for paperboard packaging,” said Chris Maurer, senior vice president of sales and operations support at Graphic Packaging. “The Recycled Materials Association’s recently updated guidelines now include paper cups, which are made of poly coated paperboard. Graphic Packaging is committed to advocating for more widespread paper cup recovery to ensure this high-value fiber source is put to good use rather than unnecessarily ending up in landfills. Joining PCPA enables us to align even closer with supply-chain stakeholders to improve recovery, influence smart policies, and grow markets for recycled fiber from poly coated items, like paper cups.”
Graphic Packaging’s Better, Every Day sustainability strategy includes a commitment to better packaging: making every new packaging innovation more circular, more functional and more convenient than existing alternatives. Working alongside PCPA’s network of mills, material recovery facilities, converters, brands, and municipalities, Graphic Packaging will help drive consistent guidance, data-driven best practices, and scalable end-market pathways for its poly coated paperboard packaging.
Current PCPA leaders welcomed the news. “We’re thrilled to renew our commitment and to welcome new voices like Graphic Packaging’s as the Alliance grows,” said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute. “Cross-sector collaboration is how we turn technical feasibility into everyday practice across communities and end markets.”
As PCPA advances its work, it invites additional organizations to help shape the future 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.