While the paperization of packaging marches on, questions about food residue on paper packaging have been holding fiber-based packaging innovations back. As labeling laws like California’s SB 343 invite new scrutiny for paper formats, the packaging industry has been grappling with new questions, like:  

• Do consumer habits around cleaning and recycling plastic, glass, and metal food packaging hold true with paper-based packaging? 
• What impact does food residue — such as leftover sauces, melted cheese, or dairy products — have on the recyclability of paper packaging from the perspective of paper recyclers? 
• How do we best communicate the recyclability of paper-based food packaging to consumers, especially when there is the potential for food residue? 

In collaboration with its members, industry partners, and Clemson University, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) spearheaded a multi-faceted research project to better understand the impact food residue has on the recyclability and consumer treatment of paper packaging. 

How Clean Is Clean Enough? Consumer and Recycler Attitudes Toward Residue and Paper Recyclability  – Sustainable Packaging Coalition