Smart Planet Technologies, a packaging technology company with innovations in packaging materials engineered for improved recyclability, has joined the growing How2Recycle Label program.

Smart Planet Technologies will be using the label on various paperboard food packaging such as folding cartons and takeout trays. These packages are made using EarthCoating technology, an alternative to a traditional 100 percent polyethylene barrier coating, which will allow most of the packages to carry the How2Recycle "Widely Recycled" Label. This indicates that over 60 percent of the U.S. has access to recycling this packaging, which traditionally would not be the case for this type of food packaging with a 100 percent polyethylene coating.

In addition, Smart Planet Technologies will be an advocate for the How2Recycle program among its clients.

"We appreciate Smart Planet's support to encourage the widespread use of the How2Recycle Label," says Anne Bedarf, senior manager of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. "As a new SPC and How2Recycle member, Smart Planet Technologies brings a sharp focus to enhancing recyclability of packaging that has historically had limitations. "

High Liner Foods and its Fisher Boy and Sea Cuisine frozen food boxes, which use EarthCoating, carry the "Widely Recycled" label, which is not the case for similar frozen food packaging with a 100 percent polyethylene coating.

EarthCoating is a mineralized resin alternative to traditional plastic barrier coatings for paperboard packaging such as cups, folding cartons, and food trays. This coating can be processed more easily through the paper recycling stream, providing greater opportunity for the recycling industry to capture these materials.

"Smart Planet Technologies is delighted to partner with GreenBlue and to support the use of the How2Recycle Label in the packaging industry," says Will Lorenzi, president of Smart Planet Technologies. "When innovations are made in materials and design of a package to provide improvements in recyclability, it is important to provide that information to the consumer and to recognize recyclability of design choices."