Carton packaging
Carton packaging is an essential part of everyday life, and its proper sorting and recycling are important for the environment. In Finland, the recycling rate for carton packaging is close to 100%, reflecting active sorting by consumers.
Collection of paper and cardboard packaging from households and businesses
According to official statistics from the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre, the recycling rate for fibre packaging in Finland was around 99% in 2022, which meets the EU target of 85% by 2030.
Households collect paper and cardboard packaging from properties with more than five apartments and others deliver their packaging waste to regional collection points. See sorting instructions here.
A business or public organisation must collect paper and cardboard packaging separately if it generates 5 kg or more per week. Examples of fibre packaging for businesses include corrugated cardboard boxes, paper wrapping and fibre-based packaging fillers.
Material labels for paper and carton packaging
Paper and cardboard packaging uses material labels to indicate the material from which the product is made. The most common labels are:
- Corrugated board packaging: PAP 20
- Other cardboard packaging: PAP 21
- Paper packaging: PAP 22
Composite materials (C + abbreviation of the main material )
- Paper, paperboard and cardboard/miscellaneous metals: C/80
- Paper, cardboard and paperboard/plastic: C/81
- Paper, paperboard and cardboard/aluminium: C/82
- Paper, paperboard and cardboard/sheeting: C/83
- Paper, paperboard and cardboard/plastic/aluminium: C/84
- Paper, paperboard and cardboard/plastic/aluminium/caseboard: C/85
What is made from recycled cardboard?
Sorted cardboard packaging is transported to receiving terminals, where it is baled and sent on to cardboard mills. There, the cardboard is processed and new products such as corrugated cardboard, new cardboard packaging and toilet paper sleeves are made. Recycled cardboard can be recycled up to seven times, saving the use of virgin raw materials such as wood.
