Geneva (October 6, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has issued SafeGuardS 138.25 to inform stakeholders about the latest developments in fiberboard recyclability standards.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released an updated version of its Voluntary Standard for Repulping and Recycling Coated or Treated Corrugated Fiberboard and its Equivalents in the Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) Recycling Stream.
Key updates include significant changes to the repulpability acceptance criteria, as well as clarifications to operational parameters such as head water levels, screening temperature and mesh specifications. Notably, the yield requirement has been revised to a minimum of 60% based on bone-dry charge, with rejects limited to 20% based on fiber collected.
These revisions are intended to provide greater precision in evaluating coated or treated corrugated fiberboard within the OCC recycling stream, supporting improved recycling outcomes and clearer compliance expectations for manufacturers.
SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help industry stakeholders stay informed about regulatory and voluntary standard developments. SafeGuardS 138.25 outlines the latest updates to AF&PA’s fiberboard recyclability standard and includes a table highlighting the differences between the 2013 version and the updated standard.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the updated document to ensure alignment with evolving industry practices.
SGS consumer product services
SGS provides news about the development of regulations affecting consumer products as a complimentary service. With an unrivalled global network of laboratories, they offer physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Consumer Product Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full AF&PA Updates Voluntary Standard for Coated or Treated Corrugated Fiberboard SafeGuardS.
Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Isabelle Feiten
Project Manager & Inside Sales Representative
Tel: +551 275 0625
Website: www.sgs.com/cp
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).