What Makes Post-Consumer Recycled Board Different from Regular Board?

When opting for the packaging material, brands usually compare different types of paperboards. On the outside, all paper materials might look the same. However, the source of the paper fibers can make them quite different from one another. In all such options, post-consumer recycled boards are made using paper materials that have already been used and discarded by consumers.

This gives the material a different starting point from regular boards. Understanding this difference can help businesses to pick packaging that fits their products and design needs.

What Is Post-Consumer Recycled Board?

Post-consumer recycled board is made from paper products that have been used and collected for recycling bins like cartons, paper packaging, & other paper products.

The recovered material then goes through a recycling process where it is cleaned, prepared, and broken down into fibers that are then used to make new boards.

The term post-consumer is important here. It means that the paper has already reached and been used by a consumer before it is recycled into a new product.

How Does It Differ from a Regular Board?

The main difference is the source of the fibers.

Regular boards may be made mostly from new paper fibers. Whereas a post-consumer recycled board is a recovered stock made from breaking down existing boards.

This difference gives recycled boards a clear material story. Instead of starting with completely new fibers, part of the material comes from paper that has already had another use.

Why Do Brands Choose It?

Many brands go for post-consumer recycled board because they want to use recycled materials in suitable packaging use cases.

It can also help support a packaging message focused on responsible material use.

Where Is It Used?

Post-consumer recycled board can be used for many everyday use packaging products. Common applications include:

• Food and dry goods

• Personal care products

• Household products

• Retail goods

• Promotional packaging

• Folding cartons

• Product sleeves

• Small consumer products

The exact board grade should be selected based on the level of protection the product needs.

Can It Be Used for Custom Boxes?

Yes. Suitable grades can be cut, folded, and creased into different box designs.

Folding cartons, tuck boxes, sleeves, and display packaging can all be made with paperboard grades designed for these uses. Printing can then add branding and product information.

For heavy products or packages that need extra protection, a durable material is definitely more suitable.

Post-Consumer Recycled Board vs. Regular Board

A simple difference between these choices is to look at where the fibers come from.

Regular boards may use mostly new paper fibers, while post-consumer recycled board use fibers recovered from paper products that consumers have already used.

Neither material is automatically better for every product. An ideal selection depends on various factors like strength, appearance, printing, box style, and packaging demands.

Final Thoughts

Post-consumer recycled boards give previously used paper materials another purpose. Its biggest difference from a regular board is the source of its fibers.

For brands that are interested in using recycled content, this material board can be a practical option for many types of packaging.

At Print247, we help brands select suitable packaging materials and create custom boxes that fit their products and brand goals.