Repulpability and Recycleability Test Protocol

Western’s recycle plant is a certified laboratory for the Fibre Box Association certification test protocol for wax treatment replacement corrugated containers. This is a voluntary standard for repulping and recycling corrugated fiberboard treated to improve its performance in the presence of water and water vapor. The corrugated industry developed this recyclability standard that allows these wax alternatives to be tested, proven and certified recyclable if they pass the required protocol. 

For detailed information, including the full test protocol standard, test procedures, and pass/fail criteria, click here to go to the wax alternatives Web site at the Corrugated Packaging Association.

There are two parts to the test protocol. The first is a screening repulping test that is a bench top study. Treated corrugated is repulped and screened through a 0.010-inch slots. The pass or fail measurement looks at the amount of fiber recovered (accepts) to the amount of original treated corrugated used. 

If the sample passes the first repulpability test, the protocol proceeds into the second part or recyclability test which involves the pilot plant and larger sample size. Twenty percent of the treated material is mixed with an untreated sample. A control batch of 100% untreated is also tested. The materials are pulpled and screened. Handsheets are made from the resulting accepts and test for a variety of paper tests for both physical and appearance properties. Any operational impact of the sample is noted. The protocol sets minimum thresholds that the sample must pass to obtain certification.