An association and several businesses have formed a group to improve paper recycling of foodservice packaging.

The Falls Church, Va.-based Foodservice Packaging Institute Inc. (FPI) founded the Paper Recovery Alliance (PRA), to develop solutions for the recovery and processing of used paper foodservice packaging.

The group said most foodservice packaging items get thrown away because of a lack of infrastructure and end-markets for the materials. To address the problem the PRA aims to develop the collection infrastructure; expand the end-use markets for the recovered fiber; educate consumers; and work with government officials.

The alliance will develop pilot projects to address the issues.

“Through these pilot projects, we hope to identify best practices and ultimately develop economically viable recovery strategies for all used paper foodservice packaging in North America,” said FPI President Lynn M. Dyer in a news release.

PRA’s founding members include:  Eco-Products Inc.; Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP; HAVI Global Solutions; International Paper; MeadWestvaco Corp.; Pactiv Foodservice/Food Packaging; RockTenn (Recycling and Waste Solutions); Solo Cup Co.; Starbucks Coffee Co.; Tim Hortons; and YUM! Brands Inc.