Wax Alternatives

Traditionally, some corrugated containers have been treated with wax coatings to provide moisture and vapor protection for safely transporting  products requiring it (such as broccoli, usually packed in ice).  Wax coatings cannot be recycled because they do not dissolve in water, so they create problems in the repulping process. The industry has worked diligently to develop recyclable alternatives, many of which are now becoming commercially available. 

The corrugated industry developed a new recyclability standard that allows these alternatives to be tested, proven and certified recyclable if they pass the required protocol.  Certified materials should be marked with one of these symbols:


When you see either of these symbols, you know that the container bearing it can be successfully recycled.

More information:

Wax Alternatives Facts Sheet
2008 Wax Alternatives Survey
Testing Labs
Testing Data
Retailers Promotion