PAP 21 paperboard
Typical examples include folding cartons, cereal boxes and other rigid non-corrugated fibreboard packages.
PAP 22 paper
Typical examples include paper bags, wrapping paper and other paper packaging.
Local route
Clean, dry examples often enter a paper stream. Wet-strength coatings, foil, plastic layers or food contamination can make the route different.
Common questions
Questions people ask
Is PAP 21 cardboard?
It is non-corrugated fibreboard or paperboard, commonly called cardboard in everyday language.
Is PAP 22 ordinary office paper?
The code is used for paper packaging. Local office-paper rules may be similar but should still be checked.
Can coated paper use PAP 22?
Some coatings or composites require a different identification. Check the full mark and packaging construction.
Reference sources
EU Decision 97/129/EC — Packaging material identification systemOpen source ↗Regulation (EU) 2025/40 — Packaging and packaging wasteOpen source ↗
Checked 2026-08-16