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

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:

  1. End Chemistry Mini-Course – May 5, 7:30 to 9:30 am
  2. Member Lunch – May 5, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
  3. Member Roundtable Breakfast- May 6, 7:45 to 8:45 am
  4. 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:

  1. Safety Walk/Safety Talk
  2. Achieving the Right Amount of Strength
  3. 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.