In its directive on packaging and packaging waste, the EU has set minimum targets for the recycling of wood and fibre packaging waste that had to be attained by the end of 2008. According to the directive, 60% of fibre packaging waste must be recycled.

In Finland, clearly more of this waste, over 85%, is already recycled. However, Finland decided to set a more stringent 75% recovery target for fibre packaging, placing these products at an unequal position in relation to other packaging materials which do not have corresponding recovery targets.

In addition to recycling, energy use also counts as recovery. Fibre packaging includes corrugated cardboards, liquid containers (e.g. milk and juice cartons) and paperboard packaging (e.g. for biscuits and breakfast cereals). 

Recycling of wood packaging waste challenging in Finland

In 2008, 15% of wood packaging waste had to be recycled – this was a demanding objective. Some 80% of wood packaging is burnt to generate energy, but this does not count as recycling.

Wood packaging can be recycled acceptably as, for example, raw material for the panel products industry, in the manufacture of new packaging and in the building of green areas or it can be composted.

It is also important that the repairing of wooden packaging according to the repair standard SFS-EN ISO 18613:2003 is accepted as a method of recycling. The recycling of wood packaging waste is challenging in the Finnish circumstances with its long distances.

Wood packaging includes transport pallets, mountings, boxes, packaging frameworks and support structures as well as cable reels.

Producer organisations responsible for arranging the recycling

Two producer organisations promote the utilisation and recycling of fibre packaging in Finland. The company Puupakkausten Kierrätys PPK Oy, which commenced operations in 2005, acts as the producer organisation for wood packaging and handles the recycling for the sector. The Finnish Forest Industries Federation is a stakeholder in the company.