Yes, envelopes with plastic windows can be recycled.

The Process
Envelopes with plastic windows are collected as part of different mixed paper streams. They are collected and categorized separately as specialty grade 30-S, Plastic Windowed Envelopes.

At the Mill
Many mills utilize large quantities of these materials. Some mills convert the plastic patch into fuel to produce energy. While the plastic film does not add to the fiber content of the recycled envelopes, it is considered a relatively small issue.

Recycling Benefits
A European study reports on the advantage of plastic windows in the recycling process. The advantage: much of the adhesive or gum bonding patch to paper is removed when the plastic patch is removed, and the adhesive stays with the film. This keeps it from contributing to the much larger recycling issue of "stickies," small amounts of adhesive embedded in the paper fiber.

Additional Information
The Paper Stock Industries chapter of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries establishes guidelines for various grades of recovered paper. TAPPI is a trade association that can supply additional information on the paper recycling process.

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