J&J Green Paper says new materials key to plastic challenges

Miami-based J&J Green Paper has issued a six-page report making the case that new types of papers and coatings will be needed to raise the recycling rate for single-use or quick service items like paper or plastic coffee cups.

In its document, titled “The War on Plastics Report,” the company repeats oft-cited concerns about the low recycling rate of plastic and its tendency in some parts of the world to end up in the natural environment. J&J does not cite paper as a guaranteed recycling option, however.

“While paper on its own is not a threat to the environment, the supplemental coatings and chemicals added to it, like polyethylene to reinforce cups made to hold your morning coffee, pose a serious threat,” writes the company. “In fact, 58 billion paper coffee cups end up in landfills each year.”

J&J commends consumer products companies and retailers experimenting with new paper bottles and cups, but says barrier materials remain an issue.

The company says it has developed its own barrier material formula, called Janus, that can address several non-recyclability issues presented by laminates and coatings. The company says Janus is organic, biodegradable, “back yard compostable” and is fully recyclable with a “high re-pulpability” rate.

J&J Paper says Janus can replace single- and double-sided containers for hot or cold products, using the “same manufacturing technology as current methods, thus causing “minimal supply chain disruption.”