RECYCLED
Corrugated Recycles Symbol
The Corrugated Recycles symbol can be used worldwide as a cue to box users that the package can and should be recycled.
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 cannot be readily recycled.
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 the links below to download high-resolution files of the Corrugated Recycles symbol in English, Chinese, French, Japanese, and Spanish. Box users: ask your corrugated supplier to help you get started.
2025 Voluntary Standard for Repulping and Recycling Coated or Treated Corrugated Fibreboard and its Equivalent in the Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) Recycling Stream
Coated or treated corrugated containers are the most practical and cost-effective way to ship produce, meats, seafood, and other items. However, certain treatments to improve performance in the presence of water or water vapor may make recycling difficult.
The 2025 Voluntary Standard for Repulping and Recycling Coated or Treated Corrugated Fiberboard and its Equivalents in the Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) Recycling Stream (Voluntary Standard) was developed by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and Fibre Box Association (FBA) to ensure that fiber coming into members’ mills has an acceptable fiber yield and that the quality of the fiber does not cause issues in papermaking. It establishes a screening method to determine the repulpability (Part 1) and recyclability (Part 2) of OCC and its Equivalents (OCC-e).
The Voluntary Standard updates the joint AF&PA-FBA Voluntary Standard for Repulping and Recycling Corrugated Fiberboard Treated to Improve its Performance in the Presence of Water and Water Vapor, published in 2013.
Click here to access the Voluntary Standard.
Click here for the Application and Materials Submission Form
Click here for the Test Report Form.
Click here for a Fact Sheet about recyclable wax alternatives.
The following labs have been certified for testing:
Click here to download a PDF with Certified Lab information
- Innofibre Innovation center of cellulosic products
- Western Michigan University Pilot Plant
- University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Paper Science Laboratories
- North Carolina State University Pulp and Paper Lab