Corrugated Recycles Symbol

When you see any of these three symbols on a corrugated container, you know it can be recycled.

What does the Corrugated Recycles symbol mean?

Corrugated Recycles is both a statement of fact and a way to promote recycling. By printing the symbol on corrugated products, the corrugated customer and ultimate consumer are aware of corrugated’s natural, verified recyclability. Placing the symbol on a corrugated container does not indicate that “this container is made from recycled material.” Rather, it means that “this container can and should be recycled.”

When do I use the Corrugated Recycles symbol?

We recommend placing the Corrugated Recycles symbol on all corrugated products that are readily recyclable, unless the customer specifies otherwise. “Readily recyclable” corrugated products are those that have not been coated or otherwise treated with substances that are not repulpable or are of limited repulpability, e.g., wax.

When don’t I use the Corrugated Recycles symbol?

Do not place the Corrugated Recycles symbol on containers that are not corrugated and readily recyclable.

Where else can I use the Corrugated Recycles symbol?

The Corrugated Recycles symbol may be placed on anything that may help promote the recyclability and recycling of corrugated – company or association stationery, websites, and so on.

High Resolution Images

Click here to download high resolution files of the Corrugated Recycles symbol in English, Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish. Box users: just ask your corrugated supplier to help you get started.

Recyclable Wax Alternatives

Some corrugated containers have been treated with wax coatings to provide moisture and vapor protection for safely transporting products that require it (such as broccoli, usually packed in ice). Wax coatings cannot be recycled because they do not dissolve in water. They create messy problems in the repulping process. The industry has worked to develop recyclable alternatives, which are commercially available. These can be certified recyclable by passing an industry-standard testing protocol.

Voluntary Standard for Recyclable Wax Alternatives

The Voluntary Standard For Repulping and Recycling Corrugated Fiberboard Treated to Improve Its Performance in the Presence of Water and Water Vapor is an industry-standard testing protocol to certify repulpable and recyclable wax alternatives.

Click here to request access to the Voluntary Standard. The standard is being revised and updated. However, the 2013 (current) standard is available by request.
Click here for a Fact Sheet about recyclable wax alternatives.

Note 1: Certified alternative treatment/coating suppliers must provide sufficient information to their customers to enable them to manufacture product with treatment levels meeting the registered requirements. Also, certified suppliers must advise their customers that to establish their product as recyclable and use the “Corrugated Recycles – A” symbol, they must file an Option B registration with the Fibre Box Association. There are no testing or registration costs associated. Option B registration acknowledges that they have received sufficient information to manufacture their recyclable wet strength products within the certification requirements.

Voluntary Standard for Recyclable Wax Alternatives

The following are labs running protocol for the Voluntary Standard For Repulping and Recycling Corrugated Fiberboard Treated to Improve Its Performance in the Presence of Water and Water Vapor.