Commitment to Improving Paper Recycling | American Forest and Paper Association

Investing to Improve Paper Recycling Rates

Investing in and improving paper recycling has been an industry priority for decades. AF&PA members are working to advance the circular value chain.

We joined the U.S. EPA and others pledging support to solve issues facing the U.S. recycling system.

Voluntary Goal Setting

The U.S. paper industry set its first recycling goal in 1990 to improve paper recycling rates. As recycling rates increased, our industry continued to set new goals.

We recycle nearly 60% more paper today than we did in 1990.

Industry MRF Ownership

We have an ownership stake in the recycling system.

AF&PA members own and operate more than 100 materials recovery facilities (MRFs) nationwide. That’s where your recyclables are sorted and processed.

Increasing Use of Recycled Paper

We’ve committed to using even more recycled paper in new paper products by 2030.

And we’re backing that up with action: During 2019-2025, our industry invested in projects at paper mills that will use over 4.5 million additional tons of recycled paper.

Our industry has a goal to advance a circular value chain through the production of renewable and recyclable products.

As part of that goal, our members aim to increase the use of secondary materials like recycled paper in new paper products to 50% by 2030. They also aim to increase the percentage of our products that are recyclable or compostable.

Additionally, during 2019-2025, our industry invested in projects at paper mills that will use over 4.5 million additional tons of recycled paper.

Companies built new mills, upgraded old ones, and modernized equipment. It’s a nationwide investment in using more recycled paper, creating jobs, and innovating manufacturing.

Investing in Recycling Education

In the 1990s, AF&PA created a program to help promote paper recycling in the U.S., which is still ongoing today.

We continue to provide resources and conduct research to help capture more paper from the waste stream for recycling.

We developed a tool, AF&PA’s Design Guidance for Recyclability. The Design Guidance helps packaging manufacturers, designers and brands create and manufacture packaging that helps to meet their recyclability goals.

Additionally, our industry tested and found pizza boxes and all-paper padded mailers can be successfully recycled at paper mills. We developed language to share with stakeholders to help ensure more of these materials are captured from the waste stream.

AF&PA works with stakeholders and partners to increase recycling access and improve education. For example, we are a member of the Paper Cup Alliance, which works to increase paper cup recycling in the U.S.

We publish Recycling Q&As to help increase knowledge and awareness of how to recycle common paper products.