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Common on-pack material-code form for Packaging material code PAP 21 — non-corrugated fibreboardCommon on-pack material-code form

Paper and fibre code

Packaging material code PAP 21 — non-corrugated fibreboard

PAP 21 identifies non-corrugated fibreboard, commonly called cartonboard or paperboard.

PAP 21European packaging material identification system
Material or subjectNon-corrugated fibreboard / cartonboard
Applies inEuropean packaging material identification system
What the mark identifiesPackaging material identification
Last source check15 August 2026

At a glance

What this symbol means

PAP 21 identifies non-corrugated fibreboard, commonly called cartonboard or paperboard.

Read the number and abbreviation as the material identifier. The surrounding triangle can vary between labels and does not itself prove local recyclability.

Recognition

How to recognise it

  • Look for PAP 21 on a flat folding carton or cartonboard component.
  • Unlike corrugated board, the cut edge does not show a fluted middle layer.

Typical applications

Where it commonly appears

  • cereal and medicine cartons
  • shoe boxes and cosmetic boxes
  • sleeves and folding cartons

Practical decision

How to sort or dispose of it

  1. Use the local paper/cardboard route when the package is empty, dry and not heavily laminated.
  2. Separate removable plastic windows, trays or inserts when local guidance requests it.
  3. Use the code on each separable component rather than assuming the whole pack is PAP 21.

Before disposal or return

  • Flatten the carton.
  • Remove food, sachets and non-paper contents.
  • Keep wet-strength, waxed or heavily coated cartons out unless accepted.

Avoid contamination

Common mistakes

Calling all cardboard PAP 21.

Leaving a plastic liner or blister inside.

Treating a drink carton as plain cartonboard.

Important limitation

What it does not mean

The code identifies the main material of the coded component. It does not prove local recyclability, cleanliness, recycled content or acceptance of a complete multi-component package.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is PAP 21 the same as corrugated cardboard?

No. Corrugated fibreboard is PAP 20; PAP 21 is non-corrugated board.

Are plastic windows included?

The code usually describes the coded component. Remove a separable window if local instructions require it.

Can coated cartonboard still be accepted?

Sometimes, but coating type and local mill specifications matter. Check the local guide.

Verification

Sources

EU Decision 97/129/EC — Packaging material identification systemOpen source ↗Regulation (EU) 2025/40 — Packaging and packaging wasteOpen source ↗

Sources checked 15 August 2026

Continue identifying

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