FAQS
It couldn’t be simpler! Remove the cap (and straw, if there is one), rinse the carton with water, flick up the corners, flatten it and pop it in your paper recycling bin. Screw on the cap and place the straw (if there is one) inside the carton, as these are also recyclable?
Mostly paperboard that comes from farmed wood of sustainably grown trees, which means that for every tree harvested, another one or even two are planted. Paperboard makes the cartons strong and ensures they hold their shape. On the inside are thin layers of plastic and foil (polyalu) – these are important for ensuring the liquid or food is sealed in and has a looooooooong shelf life. Some of these cartons have caps or straws made of plastic.
The cartons go through a special pulping process, where the paperboard reduces into a pulp and separates from the polyalu layers. The pulp is then used to make new paper-based products and the polyalu components go towards making products made from moulded plastic.
Yes, absolutely! Put them in with your paper recycling. On rubbish day, be a hero to someone else and put your cartons and other paper recycling in a bag for a recycling collector. They will be able to sell these to a recycling centre and get money in return.
Oh, you’ll know them when you see them! Keep your eyes peeled because they come in many shapes and sizes. While every single one is 100% recyclable, they do take on different roles.
You’ll find them in the long-life milk section of your supermarket, as well as in the fridge. They create a rainbow in the juice aisle and provide delight among the custards. You might even spot some keeping wine or dry foods safe and sound.
How can you give them the power to heal the world? By recycling them, of course!
When you’ve enjoyed the yumminess inside, give the inside a little rinse, flip up the corners and flatten it. Don’t forget to pop the cap back on or stick in the straw (if there is one), as we don’t want those to get lost. Finally, add super-cartons to your paper recycling. Simple! And now you’re a superhero too!
Not recycling yet? Super Cartons have some great tips to get you on the recycling track.
Fibre Circle is like a waste-fighting federation of packaging makers who fight for justice and make sure we get the information we need to help preserve the world.
It makes sure we know how to recycle paper packaging and why it’s super important to do so. Fibre Circle’s mission in this life is to keep the recycling circle unbroken, so it’s working to make sure that not one beverage carton ends up as litter or in yucky landfills. It battles the forces of waste, coming up with strategies to help Super Cartons, and us, to recycle, renew and transform. All these things serve its master plan of keeping South Africa clean.
Fibre Circle is registered as a producer responsibility organisation for the paper and paper packaging sector.