Collection
Paper cups and packaging with EarthCoating are collected in the standard paper recycling stream.
Resources
Recyclability & Certifications
An overview of the repulpability and recyclability of paperboards with EarthCoating®, including public certification and compliance information.
How Paper Recycling Works
Designed for efficient processing in standard recycling systems.
Paper recycling depends on extracting and cleaning fibers from non-paper contaminants. Unlike traditional plastic coatings, EarthCoating is engineered to behave like mineral clay rather than plastic during conventional pulping and separation.
Pulping
In the pulper, EarthCoating is designed to fracture into small, dense particles — behaving like clay rather than plastic.
Separation
Mineral particles are separated from paper fibers using conventional pressure-screening and cleaning equipment.
New Products
Clean recovered fibers can be used to create new high-quality paper products, including gift wrap and tissue.
Commercial Proof
From recovered fiber to new paper products.
Smart Planet reports that paper packaging with EarthCoating has been successfully recycled into Hallmark gift wrap and Australian Paper copy paper.
In the RecycleMe™ program, paper cups were processed through standard hot-water pulping at an Australian mill. The company describes the resulting fiber as a valuable material for the recycler when separated from conventional PE and biopolymer cups.
Explore EarthCoatingCertifications & Recognition
Public recyclability classifications and ratings.
EarthCoating has received recyclability recognition from leading international standards and assessment bodies.
EarthCoating-lined paper cups achieved a 95% recyclability result from Der Grüne Punkt, presented as a Triple A outcome, and a Cyclos-HTP Path 13 classification. These are specific assessment results and should not be extended to every packaging configuration, market, or recycling system.
Cyclos-HTP
Path 13 Classification
EarthCoating-lined paper cups are classified as Path 13 — the premium uncoated paper recycling grade — by the Institute Cyclos-HTP.
Der Grüne Punkt
AAA Recyclability Rating
Paper cups with EarthCoating received a 95% recyclability rating from Der Grüne Punkt, the German dual-system operator.
German Packaging Law
§21 Compliance
EarthCoating meets the recyclability assessment standard under §21 of the German Packaging Law, as certified by Institute Cyclos-HTP.
Regulatory Compliance
Food-contact and recycling compliance overview.
The following high-level list reflects public compliance information for EarthCoating products. Product and application requirements should be confirmed with Smart Planet Technologies.
- European Union food contact: Public information cites compliance with EU 1935/2004, EC 2023/2006, and EU 10/2011 for plastic materials and articles intended for food contact.
- EU testing: Public information references sensory analysis and migration testing, including EN 1186 gravimetry in 3% acetic acid.
- United States FDA: Public information cites suitability under 21 CFR for contact with food types under specified conditions of use.
- Health Canada: A public letter of no objection is cited for direct contact with all food types at maximum temperatures of 71°C (160°F) for identified formulations.
- Recycling standards: Public information references DIN EN ISO 14021, DIN EN 13430, §21 German Packaging Law, IPST testing, and PTS Method PTS-RH 021/97.
- PPWR: Path 13 certification can form part of the evidence considered for a PPWR Declaration of Conformity technical file. Packaging requirements remain application-specific.
Questions About Recyclability?
Contact our team to discuss EarthCoating, its public certification information, and the requirements of your packaging application.
Contact Smart Planet