As demand for single-use paper cups continues to surge globally, addressing the environmental impact of polyethylene (PE)-coated paper waste has become a critical challenge for the packaging and paper industries. Georgia-Pacific has responded decisively by expanding recycling capabilities at its Savannah River mill—positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable material recovery and circular supply chain innovation.
Driving Innovation in Paper Cup Recycling
Building on the success of its facilities in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Muskogee, Oklahoma, Georgia-Pacific has now integrated the acceptance of PE-coated paper cups into the mixed paper stock stream at its Savannah River mill in Georgia. This move allows fibers from these traditionally challenging waste products to be recovered and repurposed into essential consumer products such as tissues, towels, and napkins.
Historically, PE-coated cups were excluded from recycling streams due to the complexity of separating coatings and food residues from valuable paper fibers. However, after extensive re-pulping trials, Georgia-Pacific has demonstrated that advanced screening technologies can effectively reclaim usable fibers while filtering out PE contaminants. This breakthrough not only reduces landfill waste but also reinforces the circular economy model across the company’s production ecosystem.
Strategic Partnerships Fueling Progress
The expansion of cup recycling aligns with Georgia-Pacific’s broader sustainability strategy and its long-standing collaboration with the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) and the NextGen Consortium, managed by Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy. These alliances are instrumental in driving industry-wide solutions for PE-coated packaging materials and accelerating the shift toward sustainable sourcing and waste reduction.
Through this collaborative approach, Georgia-Pacific is also exploring next-generation paper cup designs that replace traditional PE coatings with bio-based, recyclable, or compostable materials—further supporting material innovation and reducing the environmental footprint of single-use foodservice products.
Expanding Community and Industry Impact
Beyond the mill operations, Georgia-Pacific is working with FPI to expand the acceptance of PE-coated cups in curbside recycling programs. By broadening access to recycling services, the company is enabling more households to participate in circular recovery systems, strengthening both community engagement and resource efficiency.
These efforts underscore Georgia-Pacific’s commitment to ESG leadership and its proactive role in shaping sustainable supply chains that deliver tangible environmental and social benefits.
Conclusion
Through strategic partnerships, technological innovation, and a firm commitment to sustainability, Georgia-Pacific is redefining the future of paper cup recycling. Its expanded recovery initiatives exemplify how manufacturers can drive circular economy practices while meeting evolving consumer and regulatory expectations. For industry leaders seeking to integrate sustainability into core operations, Georgia-Pacific’s approach provides a scalable and impactful model.