Become the Leader in Packaging Sustainability
RecycleStrip is a patented pull-strip built into any cardboard box that instantly collapses it flat — eliminating consumer recycling confusion, boosting recycling rates, and positioning your brand ahead of the wave of EPR legislation sweeping 24 states.
24+
States with EPR Laws
$0
New Equipment Needed
1 Pull
Box Collapses Flat
Green Pull Strip
Perforated into the box at the factory — no separate parts needed.
How It Works
Recycling made as easy as opening the box
The RecycleStrip system is engineered to remove every barrier between the consumer and the recycling bin. It works with paperboard cartons, chipboard, and corrugated cardboard.
Built Into Every Box
During manufacturing, a green perforated strip is cut directly into the cardboard blank — no separate pieces, no extra materials. The strip runs across the box panels and is bonded to the sides for added strength.
Consumer Spots It Instantly
The strip is printed in a conspicuous green color with the word "RecycleStrip" — immediately communicating that this box is recyclable. A universal, consistent signal across all brands and box styles.
One Pull, Box Collapses
When done with the product, the consumer grasps the tab at the leading end of the strip and pulls. The strip separates all the structural panels in one motion — the box instantly flattens and compresses.
Stays in One Piece
A clever unperforated strap remains at the side panels, keeping all portions connected as a single flat unit. Nothing gets lost. The flattened box is ready for the recycling bin — no cutting, no tearing.
Full three-dimensional box — strip is bound in, adding structural strength.
Completely flat, held together by the strap. Ready for the recycling bin in seconds.
Smart Design. Real Impact.
Flat boxes stack more efficiently in recycling bins and collection trucks — dramatically increasing transportation capacity to material recovery facilities and advancing the circular economy.
+40%
Truck capacity
100%
Consumer action
Why RecycleStrip?
Six reasons the packaging industry needs this now
Corporate Responsibility
Companies under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint can make a credible, visible statement with RecycleStrip — one that will be noticed by regulators, investors, ESG raters, younger customers, and employees.
Stakeholder Proof
Stakeholders don't take companies at their word. They want to know how a company is being sustainable. RecycleStrip is a physical, undeniable proof point built into every single box — not a press release.
Uses Existing Equipment
RecycleStrip leverages perforation capabilities already in use during production today. The cost to add the perforation is negligible compared to material sourcing changes, equipment overhauls, or EPR compliance fees.
Reversing Falling Rates
Cardboard recycling rates are declining just as e-commerce packaging volume soars. The transition away from plastics will further increase demand for paper products — recycling infrastructure must keep pace.
Consumer Buy-In
RecycleStrip ends consumer confusion over whether a package is recyclable and exactly how to prepare it. The green pull-strip is an unambiguous, universal call to action that requires no education.
EPR Legislation
RecycleStrip helps brands avoid future costs associated with tighter EPR regulation, new state packaging mandates, and SEC carbon disclosure rules — positioning licensees as leaders, not laggards.
The Regulatory Wave
24 states. Growing fast. The time to act is now.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are already in effect in the UK and Canada. In the US, 7 states have enacted packaging EPR legislation and 17+ more have bills pending — collectively covering a vast share of US consumer goods consumption. Brands that wait will pay more.
Already in Effect Globally
EPR is already law in the UK and Canada. The US is catching up — fast.
7
States enacted
17+
Bills pending
2
Countries w/ EPR
State-by-State EPR Legislation Tracker
California
SB 54 / AB 1201 · 2022
Colorado
HB 22-1355 · 2022
Maine
LD 1541 · 2021
Oregon
SB 582 · 2021
Maryland
HB 700 · 2023
Minnesota
SF 3718 · 2023
Washington
SB 5284 · 2024
New Jersey
A 4454 · 2025
New York
S 4246 · 2025
Illinois
HB 1580 · 2025
Massachusetts
SD 1399 · 2025
Connecticut
SB 1148 · 2025
+ 12 more states with
active EPR discussions
Producer Responsibility Laws
EPR laws place the cost of packaging waste management directly on producers — not taxpayers. Companies that cannot demonstrate sustainable packaging face growing fees and compliance costs.
Falling Recycling Rates
Cardboard recycling rates are declining precisely when e-commerce is exploding. Consumers don't know which boxes are recyclable or how to prepare them — RecycleStrip solves both problems with one physical cue.
Stakeholder & Investor Pressure
Stakeholders don't take companies at their word anymore. They want to see how. A visible, physical action built into every box sends an unambiguous signal to regulators, investors, ESG raters, and consumers.
SEC Carbon Disclosure Rules
New SEC climate disclosure requirements mean packaging decisions are now material financial disclosures. Demonstrable recycling improvements directly reduce reported scope 3 emissions.
Get Ahead of the Wave
RecycleStrip uses your existing box manufacturing equipment — the cost to add the perforation is negligible compared to material sourcing changes, equipment overhauls, or EPR compliance fees. Licensing now means leading, not catching up.
The Patent
What exactly is protected
US Patent #8,881,969 B1 covers the RecycleStrip system in detail. Here is what each of the 6 claims means — in plain English.
Patent Number
US 8,881,969 B1
Issued
November 11, 2014
Inventor
Fred Prins, Fort Lee, NJ
Classification
B65D 21/086 · USPC 229/240
Filed
May 2, 2014
Total Claims
6 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
In Summary
The patent protects a complete system: the box design, the perforated strip, the graphic signaling, and the strap mechanism — across paperboard cartons, chipboard boxes, and corrugated cardboard. Any packaging manufacturer implementing a pull-strip recycling mechanism on cardboard packaging would need to license this patent.
Bring RecycleStrip to your packaging
The packaging industry moves billions of cardboard boxes every year. RecycleStrip is a proven, patented solution ready to be built into any production line. We welcome conversations with manufacturers, brands, and investors.
License the Patent
Integrate the RecycleStrip system into your packaging line under a commercial license. Ideal for packaging manufacturers and consumer goods brands.
Acquire Full Rights
Purchase the complete patent and all associated intellectual property rights. Full ownership of the RecycleStrip technology and brand.
Partnership & Joint Venture
Explore co-development, co-branding, or revenue-sharing arrangements to bring the RecycleStrip to market at scale.
For Manufacturers & Brands
Ready to explore a deal?
Patent #8,881,969 B1 is available for outright sale or licensing. Whether you are a packaging manufacturer, a consumer goods company, or a sustainability-focused investor, we would like to hear from you.
jr@recyclestrip.com — all inquiries treated with strict confidentiality