Fibre-Based Composite
Packaging made primarily from paper or card but combined with other materials such as plastic linings or aluminium foil layers. Examples include beverage cartons, lined coffee cups, and Tetra Pak containers.
Fibre-based composites are packaging items where the main structural material is paper or card, but the packaging incorporates layers of other materials such as plastic film or aluminium foil. These multi-material packs present recycling challenges.
Common examples:
- Beverage cartons (e.g., Tetra Pak, Elopak)
- Lined coffee cups and lids
- Soup and sauce cartons
- Juice boxes
- Paper-based food trays with plastic linings
Fibre-based composites are a distinct material category under pEPR. Their recyclability is more limited than pure paper/card because the materials must be separated during recycling. Dedicated recycling facilities exist but are not as widespread. Under fee modulation, fibre-based composites typically attract higher fees than pure paper/card packaging. Producers using these materials should consider whether alternative mono-material solutions are available. OPRL provides specific labelling guidance for composites.
Related Terms
Packaging Material
The physical material from which packaging is made. Under EPR, packaging must be...
Paper and Card Packaging
Packaging made from paper, cardboard, or corrugated board. Paper and card have h...
Modulated Fees
Fee adjustments applied on top of base fees that reward recyclable packaging wit...
Recyclability
The practical ability of a packaging item to be collected, sorted, and reprocess...
OPRL
On-Pack Recycling Label — a UK labelling scheme that provides standardised recyc...
Put EPR terms into practice
Stop reading about compliance — start doing it. Our platform handles the complexity.
Start Your Free Trial