Product Stewardship

Investing in and improving paper recycling has been an industry priority for decades. Download AF&PA's handout explaining our efforts to capture even more paper from the waste stream for recycling. 

60%-64% of paper and 69%-74% of cardboard available for recovery were recycled in the United States in 2024. U.S. mills consumed more recycled paper in 2024 compared to 2023 while exports decreased.

Download our handout that explains: The definition of Extended Producer Responsibility The role of paper in EPR programs   Our industry’s investment to improve paper recycling Our recommendation for EPR programs

In 2024, around 46 million tons of paper was recycled. The paper recycling rate was 60%-64% and the cardboard recycling rate was 69%-74%.

In 2024, nearly half of recycled paper went into making containerboard — the material used to make cardboard boxes.

In 2024, the paper recycling rate was 60% - 64%. 

The 2024 cardboard recycling rate was 69% - 74%.

Paper recycling is a success. In 2024, the paper recycling rate was 60-64% and the cardboard recycling rate was 69-74%.

We explain Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs, the role of the paper industry in EPR, our industry's investment to improve paper recycling and our recommendations for EPR programs. 

Download AF&PA's handout explaining the 2024 paper and cardboard recycling rates.

AF&PA applauds Maine Governor Janet Mills and state lawmakers for advancing LD 1423, which makes much needed improvements to the state’s EPR policy. 

We are disappointed by Governor Wes Moore’s decision to sign SB 901 into law and create an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program in Maryland.