Organization

Mission

The Recycled Paperboard 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 as a whole, 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. Today, 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.


LATEST NEWS

2023 Industry Profile Study
The 2023 Industry Profile Study includes 209 grade samples off 65 paper machines at 47 RPTA-member mills, with a targeted report release in September. Members can access reports from prior years at this member-only page.

2023 P-T Seminar
Presentations and recordings from the April Production-Technical Seminar are available to RPTA members only at this web page. Topics are Safer Operations, Fiber Recovery Optimization, Process Data Best Practices, and Wet End Operations

UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer 2023 Webinar
On Thursday, July 20th at 2:00 PM Eastern time. Treatment Technologies for Wastewater Reuse

Presented by Everett Gill and Kristen Jenkins of Brown and Caldwell Engineering, and moderated by Bill Doerr, Grief’s Corporate Environmental Manager. Intended for general managers and environmental professionals interested in how they might reduce the concentration of one or more chemicals in white water and/or effluent.

Use this link to register for this free member-only webinar.

2023 RPTA Fall Roundtable
SAVE THE DATE
The annual member-only event will be held October 18 and 19 in Kalamazoo, Michigan

This year’s Roundtable will include a tour of the new Graphic Packaging International mill in Kalamazoo.