Collection
Used paper cups and paper packaging are collected through the relevant paper-recycling route.
Circularity in Practice
From Used Cups to New Paper Products
EarthCoating-lined paper cups have been processed through conventional paper-mill systems and recovered into new paper products.
Circularity at Commercial Scale
RecycleMe™ and the conventional paper-mill pathway.
In the Detpak RecycleMe™ program, post-consumer paper cups using EarthCoating were collected and processed through standard hot-water pulping at a conventional Australian paper mill.
Recovered cup fiber was subsequently used in Hallmark gift wrap and Australian Paper copy paper. The case demonstrates the circularity proposition: recover paper fiber through existing mill processes rather than creating a separate recycling route.
View recyclability evidenceThe Circularity Sequence
A material pathway designed around fiber recovery.
EarthCoating’s design objective is based on the physical behavior of its mineralised resin coating in conventional paper recycling equipment.
Conventional Pulping
In a standard pulper, EarthCoating is designed to fracture into small, dense mineralised particles rather than large, light plastic flakes.
Fiber Recovery
Mechanical screening and cleaning separate the coating particles from recovered fibers, which can then be used in recycled papermaking.
What This Demonstrates
Practical recycling compatibility must be assessed in the full system.
The RecycleMe™ experience is important because it documents commercial processing in conventional paper-mill conditions. It does not mean every product configuration, collection scheme, or mill will deliver the same outcome.
Technology evidence
The public case study supports EarthCoating’s physical-fracture and mechanical-screening mechanism and demonstrates that recovered fiber can be made into new paper products.
Application-specific assessment
Packaging format, paper substrate, coating weight, printing, adhesives, local collection systems, and receiving-mill configuration all matter. Recycling and certification claims should be limited to their actual scope.
Learn More
Explore the evidence behind EarthCoating.
Our videos and recyclability overview provide additional background on cup recycling and EarthCoating’s paper-stream pathway.
Overview
Recyclability & Certifications
Review the Path 13 and Der Grüne Punkt information presented by Smart Planet Technologies.
Go to recyclability overview →Video
EarthCoating Recycling Explainer
Watch our explainer video on cup pulping and recycling into paper products.
Watch on YouTube ↗Resources
Reports, Video & News
Explore our technical resources, news, and professional channels.
Explore resources →Discuss circularity for your packaging format.
Contact Smart Planet Technologies to discuss how the technology may fit your substrate, pack design, and intended recycling pathway.
Contact Smart Planet