()
– Store shelves that were stripped of all paper products, mainly toilet paper and paper towels, are one of the most enduring images from the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
Supply chains have improved. However, consumers can reduce future paper product shortages by recycling paper and cartons used to make milk, juice, or other food or beverage products.
The Carton Council of North America is an association of carton manufacturers like Elopak and Evergreen Packaging. They believe that much of the information consumers get about recycling can be confusing.
A Carton Council national survey found that 95 percent support recycling. However, 58 percent stated that the events of 2020 and the pandemic make it more urgent to recycle than ever.
A third of consumers believe that recycling can help reduce the demand for toilet paper and towels. According to the Carton Council a ton paper made from recycled fibers can save not only 7,000 gallons but also 17-31 trees, 4,000 kilowatts hours of electricity, 60 pounds of pollution, and 7,000 gallons in water.
“It’s great to see that people are recognizing the importance of recycling, but we need to remain diligent,”Carla Fantoni, vice-president of communications for Tetra Pak Americas and the Carton Council of North America.
“We need to reinforce the connection between recycling and creating new products to consumers, showing why it’s so important to recycle and the benefits,” Fantoni adds.
One myth about multi-layer cartons is that they are difficult or impossible to recycle.
But, cartons can still be recycled. They contain the best quality paper fibers and are used by paper mills for new materials such as paper towels and toilet paper.
According to the Carton Council recycling cartons can be done easily. You don’t need to wash cartons containing milk, juice, or any other food items. You can leave the caps on and place small straws in the juice boxes inside the carton before you put it in the recycle bin.
Visit RecycleCartons.comFind out more about carton recycling.
