CHICAGO— The primary function of packaging in all its forms; plastics, tins, glass and paperboard is to protect goods while in transit, storage and distribution. It prevents waste through breakage, spoilage and contamination, and extends product shelf life. Paper based packaging is not only made of recycled material , it can also be recycled and has an excellent environmental record. Today, more than half of the products on supermarket shelves are packaged in recycled paperboard. Over 76% of paper and paperboard containers and packaging is recycled. Most corrugated boxes manufactured in Canada are made from 100% recycled material: old boxes collected from the back of supermarkets and factories or from curb side.