Biodegradable:

            Any material that will break down in a reasonably short period of time in a natural environment. This is a commonly misunderstood term because modern landfills are made to preserve rather than degrade. Even naturally biodegradable materials like paperboard will take a very long time to degrade in a landfill. We encourage customers to recycle or compost whenever possible. 

Carbon Footprint:

            This is a popular way to quantify contribution to global warming in tons of carbon. In the U.S. there is no regulated method of calculating this and one company’s claim may be based on different assumptions than another’s. Rather than trying to calculate our carbon footprint, SCT has chosen to focus on reducing our energy use, waste output, and providing more sustainable packaging solutions to our customers.  

Certified:

            There are many certifications available that serve to verify environmental claims. It is important to remember that certifications tend to focus on one specific attribute, often neglecting others of equal or lesser importance. It is always important to evaluate packaging from a total life-cycle perspective.   

Compostable:

            Any material that will break down in an industrial or home composting facility. Paperboard is compostable. Because the conditions in home compost piles can vary, be sure to verify for yourself that your compost pile can handle this feedstock. To locate an industrial composter: www.findacomposter.com.

Recyclable:

            Recycling is taking a product or material at the end of its useful life and turning it into a usable raw material in order to make another product.  Paper and Paperboard are the most recycled packaging materials in the U.S. by volume. For more information visit www.paperrecycles.org. 

Recycled / Recycled Content:

            Post industrial and post consumer material that has been re-processed for use. Unlike plastic, paperboard can be recycled more than once (up to 7 times). It is important to note that recycled paperboard generally has a weaker structure and may not be appropriate for direct food contact. Recycled and responsibly sourced virgin paperboard are both important for a more sustainable package.

Renewable:

            Something that is replenished as fast or faster than it is used. Forest management in the U.S. makes our forests a renewable resource. For more information visit www.afandpa.org. 

Sustainable:

            Meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs[1]. Sustainability should be viewed not as a status, but as a goal to continually improve the balance between environmental, social, and economic factors.