Recyclable Food Packaging from Colpac

Food Packaging Recyclability

Our packaging is designed in line with the UK’s OPRL guidelines and Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM). We support our customers in understanding the recyclability of the packaging that they choose and help them to make choices accordingly, in support of their sustainability objectives.

Working closely with waste management companies is vital to understanding real-world recycling systems. We focus on whole supply chain collaboration and utilise our industry experience and voice to ensure that our recyclable food packaging is recyclable in practice. Groups such as the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging, which we co-founded, are key in unifying industry efforts to increase recycling rates.

See recycling FAQs

Our recyclable packaging

Kraft recyclable food packaging being put into black and orange recycling bin.

Recycling Labelling

We work closely with the UK’s On Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme to understand the recyclability of our products and continue to work with OPRL on recycling labelling. Mandatory on-pack recycling labelling is due to come into effect from 2027, to align with directives from the European Union.

We provide on-pack recycling labels for all our products already, to support consumers in disposing of our packaging correctly. This includes recycling instructions for our key markets that have released recycling guidelines, such as France and Spain. This information is all hosted within sustainability credential webpages that can be accessed by customers via on pack QR codes.

OPRL membership

Close-up of a kraft paper food pot filled with fresh salad vegetables and visible recyclable food packaging instructions.

Designing Recyclable Food Packaging

We follow circular design principles in our product development, a key area where we can make the biggest contribution to reduce and recycle. To do this, we:

Choose materials to maximise efficiency in the recycling process
Minimise laminated composites
Align with industry guidelines and best practices
Reduce materials where possible
Remove unnecessary plastic and lightweight materials
Use recycled and recovered materials to conserve resources and energy

Circularity in Action

We welcomed Sustainable Packaging News to visit us, as part of the publication's Circular Economy Week! Watch the video to find out about how we put circular economy principles into action.