WasteSpot.com
Practical recycling directory
EN
English EN Português PT
Common on-pack material-code form for Packaging material code PAP 22 — paperCommon on-pack material-code form

Paper and fibre code

Packaging material code PAP 22 — paper

PAP 22 identifies paper as the main packaging material.

PAP 22European packaging material identification system
Material or subjectPaper
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 22 identifies paper as the main packaging material.

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 22 printed near the packaging disposal information.
  • The mark identifies the coded paper component, not necessarily every part of the pack.

Typical applications

Where it commonly appears

  • paper bags and wrappers
  • paper labels and leaflets
  • light paper packaging

Practical decision

How to sort or dispose of it

  1. Use the local paper collection when the paper is clean and dry.
  2. Separate plastic coatings, handles or liners when they are designed to be removed.
  3. Treat thermal paper, waxed paper and food-soiled paper according to the local rule.

Before disposal or return

  • Remove food and non-paper contents.
  • Keep paper dry.
  • Flatten or fold only as needed.

Avoid contamination

Common mistakes

Putting receipts into paper recycling without checking the local rule.

Assuming a laminated wrapper is plain PAP 22.

Using the code to classify an entire multi-component package.

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

Does PAP 22 mean the paper is recycled content?

No. It identifies the material, not the amount of recycled fibre.

Can greasy paper be recycled?

Acceptance varies. Heavy grease or food residue often changes the route.

What if the bag has textile handles?

If the handles are separable, identify and sort them separately according to local guidance.

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

Related symbol guides

Paper and fibre codePackaging material code PAP 20 — corrugated fibreboardPAP 20

PAP 20 identifies corrugated fibreboard: board built with one or more fluted paper layers between flat liner layer…

Paper and fibre codePackaging material code PAP 21 — non-corrugated fibreboardPAP 21

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

Composite packaging codeComposite packaging code C/PAP 81 — paper/cardboard + plasticC/PAP 81

C/PAP 81 identifies composite packaging made mainly from paper or fibreboard combined with plastic.

Material recycling markGeneric paper recycling indicationPaper

A paper mark suggests that the coded component concerns paper and board packaging, but the exact artwork and claim…

Metal packaging codePackaging material code FE 40 — steelFE 40

FE 40 identifies steel-based packaging, including tinplate packaging.

Metal packaging codePackaging material code ALU 41 — aluminiumALU 41

ALU 41 identifies aluminium packaging or an aluminium packaging component.

Wood packaging codePackaging material code FOR 50 — woodFOR 50

FOR 50 identifies wood as the main packaging material.

Wood packaging codePackaging material code FOR 51 — corkFOR 51

FOR 51 identifies cork as the main packaging material.