Guide / Materials & board grades / Chapter 3.7
Recycled content and virgin fibre.
Most cardboard is made with a mix of recycled and new fibre. Here's what recycled content means, how it affects your packaging, and how to talk about it accurately.
The short answer
Paper and cardboard are made from fibre. Recycled fibre comes from used paper and cardboard that's been collected and pulped. Virgin fibre comes straight from wood. Most packaging uses a mix: recycled fibre keeps material in use, and some virgin fibre adds strength, because fibres get shorter each time they're recycled. Our cardboard contains at least 60% recycled content, and we use FSC certified cardboard from local board suppliers.
How recycled board is made
Used cardboard is collected, pulped with water, cleaned and screened to remove tape, staples and other materials, then formed into new paper. That paper becomes the liners and flutes of new corrugated board.
Each time paper is recycled, its fibres get a little shorter and weaker. That's why fresh fibre is added to the mix over time, and why recycled content and strength need to be balanced.
Recycled vs virgin fibre
General differences. Board quality depends on the mill, the grade and the mix.
| Recycled fibre | Virgin fibre | |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Used paper and cardboard | Wood from forests and plantations |
| Strength | Fibres shorten with each recycling | Longer fibres, stronger for the weight |
| Look | Often slightly darker or flecked | Cleaner, more even surface |
| Common use | Liners and flutes of everyday corrugated board | Strength-critical layers, bright white surfaces, some food packaging |
Recycled content and FSC certification
These are two different things:
- Recycled content describes how much of the material comes from recycled fibre.
- FSC certification relates to where fibre comes from and how it's tracked through the supply chain. There are several FSC label types, including FSC Mix and FSC Recycled.
We use FSC certified cardboard from local board suppliers. PackQueen itself doesn't hold FSC certification, so our packaging doesn't carry an FSC label.
Talking about it accurately
If you mention recycled content on your packaging or website, keep it specific and accurate. A clear statement such as "made with at least 60% recycled content" is better than a broad claim like "eco-friendly". Only use a figure for the items it applies to: our 60% figure covers our corrugated cardboard, not paperboard, rigid boxes, bags or accessories. Ask your supplier whether a percentage is by weight and what kind of recycled fibre it includes. Vague or overstated environmental claims can mislead customers, and the ACCC has published guidance for businesses making environmental claims.
What it means for you
The same question, answered for where your business is today.
Choose your stage at the top of the page to open the advice for you.
Start-up · under 100 units
Corrugated packaging made with recycled content is the everyday standard, so you don't need to pay extra for it. Ask before you print any environmental claim.
Keep claims simple and true, such as "please recycle this box where your council accepts cardboard", and remove tape or labels first if your council asks.
Growing · 100 to 2,499 units
If sustainability is part of your brand, choose packaging you can describe accurately and consistently across your range.
Try this: list each packaging item you use and what you can truthfully say about it.
Enterprise · 2,500 units and more
Record recycled content and fibre sourcing for each packaging item in your specification, so your sustainability reporting has a clear source.
Ask suppliers for written confirmation of any claim you plan to publish.
Common mistakes
- 1Assuming recycled means weaker. Recycled board is used for everyday shipping. Strength depends on the grade and flute.
- 2Confusing recycled and FSC. Recycled content and FSC certification describe different things.
- 3Making broad green claims. Specific, accurate statements are clearer and safer than vague claims.
- 4Putting a logo on packaging you can't support. Only use a certification logo if your packaging is certified for it.
Recycled content questions
How much recycled content is in your cardboard?
Is recycled cardboard as strong as new cardboard?
Is your packaging FSC certified?
What's the difference between recycled and recyclable?
Can I say my packaging is sustainable?
From our customers
PaperlustExpress Post satchels, multi-crease boxes, custom tissue and kraft wrapping paper, with no plastic in their shipping.
Read their story →Keep reading
Recycled cardboard packaging
Questions about materials?
Tell us what you'd like to know about the board in your packaging, and our Melbourne team will help, usually within 1 business day.