EU Buyers Increase Recycled-Content Questions on Export Cartons

Packaging buyers serving EU retail and e-commerce accounts are adding recycled-content and fiber-origin questions to carton RFQs, even when formal EPR paperwork is handled locally in Europe.

Chinese converters can usually supply recycled-heavy constructions, but documentation quality varies. Vague “eco board” claims without mill letters are being rejected more often in brand audits.

Buyer takeaways

Put recycled % and proof type in the RFQ, not in email after sampling.

Separate structural ECT targets from sustainability claims.

Allow lead time if specialty recycled liners must be reserved.