Under Maine DEP's most recent draft of Appendix A, uncoated molded fiber packaging is now considered recyclable and compostable if certified to ASTM D6400, ASTM D6868, or ASTM D8410.
October 17, 2025 (Press Release) - The International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA) commends the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for its decision to classify uncoated molded fiber packaging as recyclable and compostable and for its recognition of molded fiber's role in advancing a more circular economy in the state of Maine.
Under Maine DEP's most recent draft of Appendix A — The Packaging Material Types List of the Stewardship Program for Packaging, 06-096 C.M.R. Ch 428 (2024), uncoated molded fiber packaging is now considered recyclable and compostable if certified to ASTM D6400, ASTM D6868, or ASTM D8410. This is a major step forward for molded fiber manufacturers, brand owners, and communities alike — creating clarity in the marketplace, supporting circular systems, and reinforcing molded fiber's position as a scalable alternative to plastics.
Molded fiber has been an important part of Maine's landscape dating back to 1901, when the first US Patent was filed for the packaging machinery by M.L. Keyes. The factory, built in 1908 to house Keyes' business, still operates in Waterville, Maine, as part of Huhtamaki and remains the original factory for producing the Chinet® line of molded-fiber tableware. With this classification of the material, Maine continues to lead the way in the molded fiber industry, setting an example for other states as packaging stewardship programs are introduced.
"At IMFA, we see Maine's decision as important for our industry," said Gary Visser, Executive Chairman of IMFA. "By recognizing molded fiber as recyclable, Maine is helping to create the certainty and momentum needed to accelerate adoption nationwide. We're proud of this progress, and we remain committed to advancing honest, science-based conversations to ensure that molded fiber is understood for what it truly is: a recyclable, compostable, and renewable solution that reduces waste and supports a cleaner future."
IMFA will continue to support clear standards and policies that reflect the sustainable attributes of molded fiber, while working with policymakers, businesses, and communities to ensure its role in the circular economy for packaging.
The International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA) is the premier international trade association for the molded fiber industry, with a mission to promote the global growth of molded fiber products and advocate for environmental sustainability.
SOURCE: International Molded Fiber Association