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.  These can be certified repulpable and recyclable by passing an industry-standard testing 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:

• Test Protocol: Voluntary Standard For Repulping and Recycling Corrugated Fiberboard Treated to Improve Its Performance in the Presence of Water and Water Vapor
• Wax Alternatives Facts Sheet
• Testing Labs
• Testing Data
• Retailers Promotion