The 4evergreen alliance has unveiled Version 3 of its Guidance on the Improved Collection and Sorting of Fibre-Based Packaging for Recycling, a significant update that underscores the industry's commitment to advancing circular and low-carbon packaging solutions. This latest version has been crafted by a multidisciplinary team of over 40 experts representing the entire fibre-based packaging value chain, ranging from material producers to recyclers and policymakers. By addressing key challenges and integrating innovative solutions, the guidance aims to align recycling practices with the growing demand for sustainability.

Among the most noteworthy additions to this guidance are three new annexes that address critical aspects of the recycling process. These annexes provide fresh insights and actionable recommendations for stakeholders across industries:

• Residual Organic Contamination: This annex delves into the impact of organic waste, such as food residues, on the recycling of fibre-based packaging. Organic contamination poses challenges by reducing the quality of recycled materials and increasing processing costs. The document offers strategies to minimize contamination at the source, improve pre-sorting efficiency, and optimize the cleaning stages during recycling, ensuring a higher yield of high-quality recycled fibres.
• Innovations in Sorting Technologies: As the industry continues to adopt advanced technologies, this annex explores state-of-the-art sorting solutions, including artificial intelligence, optical sensors, and automated systems. It emphasizes the importance of accurate material separation to boost recovery rates and reduce the loss of valuable fibres. Practical recommendations are included for the adoption and scaling of these technologies, aiming to make recycling systems more efficient and adaptable to future challenges.
• Recycling in the HORECA and On-the-Go Sectors: With fibre-based packaging playing a growing role in foodservice and on-the-go consumption, this annex focuses on the unique challenges posed by these sectors. Hotels, restaurants, and catering (HORECA) environments generate large amounts of packaging waste, much of which is recyclable but often ends up in mixed waste streams. The guidance outlines tailored solutions to enhance collection and sorting in these contexts, such as deploying specialized bins, improving consumer awareness, and collaborating with waste management services to optimize collection systems.

The release of this guidance reflects 4evergreen's proactive approach to fostering a more circular economy for fibre-based packaging. Beyond technical insights, the document emphasizes the importance of collaboration across the value chain. By engaging with stakeholders from production to end-of-life processing, the alliance aims to create a seamless recycling loop that maximizes resource efficiency and minimizes environmental impact.

4evergreen's guidance also highlights the role of policymakers and regulators in shaping the future of recycling. It calls for harmonized standards and clearer definitions of recyclability across regions to facilitate global adoption of best practices. Additionally, the guidance advocates for increased investment in recycling infrastructure, particularly in emerging markets where the potential for fibre recovery remains untapped.

As industries worldwide face mounting pressure to meet sustainability goals, the updated guidance serves as a blueprint for achieving higher recycling rates and better-quality recycled materials. By adopting the recommendations outlined in this document, businesses can not only meet regulatory requirements but also contribute to the broader objective of a climate-neutral, sustainable society.

With this release, 4evergreen reinforces its leadership in driving innovation and sustainability in the packaging sector. The alliance's comprehensive approach to addressing technical, operational, and policy challenges ensures that fibre-based packaging remains a cornerstone of the circular economy.