Organization

The Recycled Paper Technical Association (RPTA) is dedicated to the improvement and use of recycled paperboard and related products. RPTA supports training, scientific research, product stewardship, materials investigations, benchmarking and survey work. These efforts enable our members to improve the conservation and utilization of raw materials and energy which, in turn, enables them to improve product and manufacturing quality.

History

RPTA member companies have been recycling recovered paper since the turn of the 20th century. This heritage of responsible resource management has forged a tradition of innovation and ingenuity that is unmatched in the paper-making industry.

Serving the needs of companies engaged in producing recycled paperboard since 1953, we are dedicated to the improvement of the industry through product stewardship, benchmarking, materials investigations, and education.

The Boxboard Research and Development Association (BRDA) — the original organization representing the recycled paperboard industry — was formed in late 1953. It brought together members of the boxboard industry to engage primarily in scientific research and development to improve boxboard, related materials, and boxboard products and the methods and processes by which they were produced. The organization was made up of members who made products using recycled fiber as their primary raw materials. BRDA sponsored a wide variety of research programs, held seminars and training programs and provided opportunity for the exchange of information among members and suppliers to the industry.

Through the years, many changes have occurred — to the industry, individual members, and even the name of the Association. In 1991, we became the Recycled Paperboard Technical Association to better reflect the various grades of paper produced by our members and the expanded activities of the association beyond just research and development. In 2024 the organization updated its name to the Recycled Paper technical Association, RPTA represents most of the companies in North America making paperboard, containerboard, corrugating medium, linerboard, boxboard, folding carton, gypsum, tube and core, chip and specialty grades from at least 50 percent recycled fiber.

RPTA's continued focus is to provide a legal means for members to exchange information and sponsor activities that are mutually beneficial to the industry. Product stewardship, benchmarking, materials investigations, and education are integral to the work of the Association.