More and more customers are asking what is in their packaging and what happens to it after use. Here is what you should know about the corrugated boxes sold by Wholesale Box: they are made without PFAS, they comply with EU REACH requirements, and they are recyclable without qualification.
This information applies to Wholesale Box's corrugated packaging products with kraft liner produced at our manufacturing partner's North American container plants (not including waxed or specialty-coated boxes), based on manufacturer documentation dated August 18, 2026.
1. PFAS-Free Packaging
What are PFAS? PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals, sometimes called "forever chemicals." They include long-chain substances such as PFOA and PFOS, as well as short-chain fluorinated alternatives sometimes called "GenX" substances. Historically, PFAS have been used to add grease and water resistance to some paper and food packaging. A growing number of U.S. states now restrict intentionally added PFAS in packaging.
Our boxes:
- Wholesale Box corrugated packaging is not manufactured using any PFAS.
- Because the products contain no intentionally added PFAS as shipped or delivered, they comply with U.S. state laws that prohibit intentionally added PFAS in packaging.
- Like all recycled-content paper, the liner and medium papers may include recycled fiber from a variety of sources and are made with water from public waterways, so trace, unintentional contaminants can exist. Based on testing of representative products, the level of unintentional PFAS is significantly below the 100 ppm total organic fluorine (TOF) limit set by California's food packaging law AB 1200, and below the 50 ppm total fluorine threshold in the European Commission's guidance for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40.
2. REACH and SVHC Compliance
What is REACH? REACH is the European Union's regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006). SVHCs are "Substances of Very High Concern" listed under Article 57 of REACH.
Our boxes:
- Corrugated packaging meets the definition of an "article" under REACH. Articles are exempt from pre-registration and registration requirements unless they contain chemicals designed to be released during use – and no such chemicals are used in these products. They comply with REACH registration requirements.
- As articles, they are not subject to authorization requirements for Annex XIV substances.
- They are manufactured in accordance with the restrictions of Annex XVII of REACH, covering the manufacture, marketing, and use of certain dangerous substances.
- SVHC review: Borax (disodium tetraborate) is widely used in the manufacture of corrugated packaging. A conservative assessment of borax and other boron-containing SVHCs (such as boric acid) found them below the 0.1% by weight threshold that would require notification or communication under REACH. None of the remaining SVHCs on the candidate list (as updated February 4, 2026) are expected above the 0.1% threshold.
3. Recyclable Without Qualification
Corrugated cardboard is the single most recycled packaging material in the United States, with a U.S. recycling rate that has exceeded 82% since 2009.
- Technically recyclable: standard corrugated packaging can be readily repulped into usable fiber to make new boxes and paper products.
- Widely accessible: corrugated is recycled at high enough rates in the U.S. to be described and labeled as recyclable without qualification.
- California SB 343 ("Truth in Labeling for Recyclable Materials"): our corrugated boxes meet the criteria to be labeled recyclable in California, as supported by CalRecycle's April 2025 SB 343 Material Characterization Study. They are collected for recycling by programs serving at least 60% of California's population and sorted into defined recycling streams by facilities serving at least 60% of California's recycling programs. The Material Type and Form (MT&F) code is F01.
- Labeling: the International Corrugated Case Association's "Corrugated Recycles" symbol may be used to show these boxes can be recycled.
Helping Your Boxes Get Recycled
- Flatten boxes before placing them in recycling.
- Keep them clean and dry. Heavy food, grease, or wax contamination can make boxes unacceptable to recyclers.
- Tape and shipping labels are generally fine; most recycling programs remove them during repulping, but check local guidance.
- Downstream treatments or end-use conditions (such as coatings, contamination, or waxing added after purchase) can affect recyclability.
Why It Matters for Your Business
Whether you sell to customers in states with PFAS packaging laws, export to the EU, or simply want to show your customers that your packaging is responsible, Wholesale Box corrugated boxes help you meet those expectations. If you need compliance documentation for your business, contact us.
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This article is provided for general information and is based on manufacturer documentation. It is not legal advice. Laws change frequently; each business is responsible for ensuring its packaging meets the requirements for its specific products and markets. Applies only to products as sold and not altered by any third party.