Food and drink cartons are made, on average, from 75% virgin wood fibre in the form of paperboard, 21% polyethylene and 4% aluminium. The exact proportions vary depending on whether they are being used for chilled or long-life products.

The very fine aluminium foil layer serves as a barrier to light, aromas, and oxygen, which means the contents can last for months without preservatives or refrigeration. The polyethylene acts as a water-tight barrier. It is this combination that allows paperboard – a natural, renewable resource – to be used as the main material.

Sweden and Finland provide the majority of wood used to produce paperboard for food and drink cartons in Europe. The rest comes from the Baltics, South America, Russia, and other countries including the UK. All the wood used to manufacture the paperboard used by ACE UK members is traceable to legal and acceptable sources. For more information

Our interactive map will help you find your nearest food and drink carton recycling facilities.

No they can be left on the carton as they will be removed in the recycling process. However, it is helpful to wash and squash your carton. The washing helps reduce contamination and squashing helps to save space in storage.

All used food and drink cartons collected and sorted separately for processing are sent to the carton recycling facility in Stainland, West Yorkshire which is operated by our partner Sonoco Alcore. To see how they are recycled here

Cartons do not have a wax coating and can be easily recycled. People often mistake the outer polyethylene layer for a wax coating.

Contact our recycling team on 01606 530 320 or email enquiries@ace-uk.co.uk and we’ll talk you through how we can help.