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Product Stewardship

What is Extended Producer Responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility is a waste management strategy that is getting a lot of attention in the U.S., mostly at the state level. The paper industry is already a responsible producer and has a track record of success. We recycle nearly 75% more paper today than we did in 1990. Dive in…

Is Cardboard Recyclable?

Cardboard is a highly recyclable material that’s widely accepted for recycling in recycling programs across the U.S. By choosing to recycle cardboard, we can all play a role in creating a more sustainable future. 

Printing Papers Don't Belong in EPR Programs

Printing papers are 100% recyclable and the process is simple. Extended Producer Responsibility programs won’t improve that infrastructure. Don't mess with success. Paper recycling is part of a system that already works.

Paper Bags Are a Sustainable Choice for New Jersey

New Jersey is the only state in the nation that has banned paper bags. Lawmakers in Trenton can fix this broken law with an amendment to ensure access to paper bags, which are 100% recyclable, as well as reusable and compostable.

How Does AF&PA Calculate Paper and Cardboard Recycling Rates?

More than two-thirds of the paper used in the U.S. is recycled and used to make new sustainable paper products people use every day. That’s more than 50 million tons of paper. To unpack the paper and cardboard recycling rates further, we turned to AF&PA’s Executive Director of Recovered Fiber…

Do You Know How to Recycle Milk Cartons?

What happens when you recycle a milk carton? Cartons are transported to paper mills and recycling plants where they become new products like boxes, toilet paper and even ceiling tiles.

Colorado EPR Scheme Will Hurt State’s Recycling Efforts

AF&PA is disappointed by the enactment of Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program for Recycling. Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1355 into law, creating an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program that includes paper and paper-based packaging products.

EPA Packaging Recycling

Most recent data from the EPA  indicates that paper and paperboard packaging accounts for 3/4 of all packaging materials recovered for recycling in the U.S.

Where Recycled Paper Goes Graph

In 2021, nearly half of recycled paper went into making containerboard - the material used to make cardboard boxes.

Cardboard Recycling Graph

In 2021, 91.4% of cardboard boxes were recycled. Keep up the good work by breaking boxes down flat, keeping them dry and clean, and then put them in the bin. 

Paper Recycling Graph

In 2021, we recovered more than 50 million tons of paper for recycling and the paper recycling rate was 68%.  That's a rate on par with the highest rate previously achieved.

Paper Recycling Rate Graphic

68% of paper was recycled in 2021. A rate on par with the highest rate previously achieved.