Paperboard itself is made from a renewable resource, but converters need to focus on the whole package.

By Missy Smith

Paperboard itself is made from earth-friendly materials, but the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) would argue that it is only potentially sustainable. “I say potentially, because that resource is only as renewable as its management,” explains Martha Leflar, project manager, SPC. “If we deplete any resource at a faster rate than it is replenished—from crude oil to corn—it is not a sustainable material.” And, though paperboard has sustainability potential, its recovery rate isn’t as high as it could be, according to Leflar. “At end of life, paperboard has many available positive options, it can be recycled, composted, or burned for energy recovery; however, the EPA cites the current paperboard recycling rate at 11.9 percent for 2005,” she explains. “There is much improvement to be made in this area.”