About Us
The Recycled Paperboard Technical Association is dedicated to the improvement and use of recycled paperboard and related products. Founded in the early 1950's as the Boxboard Research and Development Association, RPTA represents paper companies worldwide which manufacture products that contain a significant percentage of recycled fiber. RPTA provides a legal forum through which member companies can discuss shared technical issues and interests.
RPTA undertakes various projects that reflect the needs and interests of member companies. Examples of RPTA Activities include:
- Networking among technical experts on issues relevant to recycled paperboard manufacturing
- Training and other educational opportunities
- Assuming a technical leadership role in addressing regulatory issues affecting the industry
- Conducting benchmark studies on various areas of paperboard and containerboard production
- Monitoring and participating in worldwide technology sharing
- Establishing testing protocols to assure the quality and integrity of products
- Establishing programs for use by members to assure conformance with FDA requirements
LATEST NEWS
Industry Benchmarking Survey
The 2025 Profile Study reports were distributed on September 1. Samples from 51 paper machines, collected during the first quarter of 2025, were blind-coded before testing and reporting.
The 2025 Profile Study reports and all past Survey reports can be accessed at this member-only page. In addition, each member company that participated in the Study received company-specific Excel workbooks that provide all Study data with their paper machines identified.
2025 Production-Technical Seminar
On May 5 and 6, 2025, we held our annual production-technical seminar. For the first time, our seminar content was embedded into TAPPICon, instead of being co-located with it. RPTA members attending provided positive feedback regarding the new format.
In addition to technical presentations, RPTA members had the opportunity to network with other members at our RPTA Lunch, Roundtable Breakfast, and Networking Room.
RPTA members can access the RPTA presentations at this member-only site.
Summer Webinar
On July 16th, we held a panel webinar - "Mill to Meaning: Career Stories in Recycled Paper": A diverse and experienced panel shared their career paths, insights, lessons learned, and inspirations. A recording of the webinar is available at this member-only webpage.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fall Roundtable
Our Fall Roundtable will be held on October 15 & 16, in Brookfield, WI. We will hold a seminar on refining, followed the next day with tours of Valmet’s refiner foundry (in Waukesha, WI) and Greif’s Milwaukee, WI paperboard mill.
The Roundtable is free for our RPTA members, that is, for all employees of our RPTA member companies. Click here to register for Roundtable.
Plans for other Educational Events
Based on input from our members, the RPTA Operating Board is developing educational events on Waste Reduction; Coating Formulation and Application; Environmental; and Stickies Mitigation, to be held over the next year. Stay tuned for dates, times, and locations.