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
Mill registration for the 2025 Profile Study is complete, with 50 paper machines participating. First quarter samples from registered mills are due to RPTA Staff by April 4, 2025. All past Survey reports can be accessed at this member-only page.
2025 Winter Webinar
On January 22nd we held a webinar on Recovered Fiber Grades & Quality, presented by Shawn State, President of Pratt Recycling at Pratt Industries, and Pat McEnroe, Product Group Director at Kadant Black Clawson. The recording and Power Point slides from the webinar are available at this RPTA members only site, along with materials from other past RPTA educational events.
UPCOMING EVENTS
2025 Production-Technical Seminar
TAPPICon 2025 will be held May 4 – 7, 2025, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
This year, RPTA’s Production-Technical Seminar will be integrated into TAPPICon.
RPTA members at mills that make 100% (or very high percentage) recycled containerboard, paperboard, or pulp (and their corporate support staff) will register through RPTA for a special, low registration fee of $800.
Included in the $800 fee are TAPPICon and four RPTA exclusive events for our members:
- End Chemistry Mini-Course – May 5, 7:30 to 9:30 am
- Member Lunch – May 5, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
- Member Roundtable Breakfast- May 6, 7:45 to 8:45 am
- Member Networking Room – May 5 and 6, all day
RPTA Operating Board Officers will be chairing three TAPPICon sessions, with RPTA-recruited speakers, on topics of interest to our members:
- Safety Walk/Safety Talk
- Achieving the Right Amount of Strength
- Waste Reduction and Alternative Fuels
Register here for TAPPICon 2025 & RPTA Special Events by April 14, 2025. Nonmembers, and members not associated with recycled mills, should register through TAPPICon.
Keep abreast of TAPPICon Program details and travel information at TAPPICon 2025.