All Resources
Webinar Recording: Insights into Effective Resident Education
In December 2023, FPI held a webinar that shared information on the effect of images, language and special instructions related to recycling take-out containers. We also learned about best practices and tools, and heard real-world examples of resident education from communities and haulers.
Resident Messaging Survey Summary
FPI released a summary of findings from its Resident Messaging Survey, sharing information related to resident assumptions on recyclability, awareness of what items can be recycled, and top sources of recycling instructions. The survey focused on recycling messaging related to take-out items such as plastic cups and containers, paper cups and pizza boxes.
Webinar Recording: Research Findings
Webinar shared several FPI-supported studies including recovery of PET thermoforms, PP cups, paper cups, and the impact of food residue on take-out packaging recycling.
Food Residue Study 2022
A food residue study was conducted in November 2022 to learn whether foodservice packaging (such as take-out containers, cups or pizza boxes) set out for recycling were more contaminated than food contact packaging (such as peanut butter jars, cans or pasta boxes). This study served as a follow-up to two previous food residue studies.
Webinar Recording: Community Partnerships
This webinar recording focused on the FPI community partnership program that works to add a suite of foodservice packaging to curbside recycling and/or composting programs in vetted communities. The panelists walked through the partnership approach, shared resources available to communities, and provided real-world collaboration stories from actual community partners.
Community Partnership Program Results
Check out the successes that FPI’s Community Partners have had when adding foodservice packaging to their city and county recycling programs.
CompostAble Chicago Study
FPI and partners have released the CompostAble Chicago study report, which aimed to understand how the use of compostable foodservice packaging might correlate to increased capture of food scraps and reduced contamination.
Managing Compostable FSP Webinar
Watch a webinar on "Managing Compostable Foodservice Packaging," which included speakers from FPI, the Biodegradable Products Institute, National Restaurant Association, and U.S. Composting Council.
Compostable FSP Literature Review
Check out resources related to the impacts to the composting value chain when introducing compostable foodservice packaging.
Study of North American Composting Facilities
FPI conducted a study of North American composting outlets for both residential and business generators of source separated organics. The purpose of the study was to identify composters accepting food scraps and to understand which facilities are willing and able to accept various compostable packaging materials.
Field Study on FSP as Compost Facility Feedstock
FPI, along with the Biodegradable Products Institute, funded a study to determine whether compostable foodservice packaging can be effectively used as a feedstock in commercial composting facilities. The results showed that these items performed as well as wood and other traditional feedstocks.
Compostable FSP Info Sheet
An overview of compostable packaging, residential collection, composter acceptance, and frequently asked questions.
PET Thermoform Study
This study estimates the total generation and recovery of PET thermoforms, explores the PET thermoform sorting and reclamation landscape, & determines potential pathways for PET thermoform recycling.
Paper Cup End Markets
The number of mills accepting paper cups is growing. Check out our list of confirmed markets for paper cups across North America.
Find a Composter/Anaerobic Digestion Facility
There are a growing number of composters in the U.S. and Canada who accept foodservice packaging.
Plastic Cups Bale Sort Study (2015)
As part of the most comprehensive post-consumer plastic container bale sorts done in North Amercia, this plastic cups bale sort study conducted in 2015 showed which rigid plastic bales contained plastic cups as well as the plastic resin types and volumes of plastic cups in each bale type.
Current Acceptance of FSP
To get a better idea of the current acceptance of FSP by cities and/or MRFs in the U.S. and Canada, a benchmarking study was conducted in 2013. While the responses varied widely, the results were encouraging.
Foodservice Packaging in Mixed Paper Bales
To test the impact of paper foodservice packaging in mixed paper bales, a bale audit was conducted with bales purchased from New York City and Seattle markets.
Plastic Cups Bale Sort Study (2021)
To build on knowledge gained during prior studies, FPI participated in an audit to obtain a current snapshot of the prevalence of plastic cups in #3-#7 bales.
Projected Impact of FSP on Existing Bales
Adding foodservice packaging to existing bales makes very little difference to their composition. Learn more about the estimated prevalence of FSP in bales.