Product Stewardship

91.4% of all cardboard boxes were recycled in 2021. The recycling rate for cardboard has exceeded 82% since 2009. 

Paper recycling is a success story. In 2021, 68% of paper was recycled and 91.4% of cardboard boxes were recycled.

AF&PA announced 68% of all paper consumed in the United States was recycled in 2021 – a rate on par with the highest rate previously achieved. Additionally, the recycling rate for old corrugated containers (OCC) – commonly known as cardboard – increased. 

The numbers are in! Paper is one of the most recycled materials. This is confirmed by our continuously high recycling rates. In 2021, the paper recycling rate climbed to 68%. And the recycling rate for cardboard boxes was 91.4%.   

After your local recycling hauler picks up your recycling, it’s taken to a materials recovery facility (MRF) where it’s sorted into like things. Workers remove items that shouldn’t be there, also called contaminants. That includes things like plastic bags, holiday lights, diapers and even…

AF&PA Vice President of Industry Affairs Terry Webber issued a statement in response to the Colorado General Assembly passing (HB22-1355), which would create an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program.

For over a decade, the paper industry has achieved a consistently high recycling rate, meeting or exceeding 63% each year since 2009. Our industry’s success in paper recycling is because our systems are voluntary and market-driven. And because of the industry’s investments and the support of the…

The American Forest & Paper Association Vice President of Industry Affairs, Terry Webber issued a statement opposing the Colorado Legislature passing (HB22-1355) that would create an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program.

The paper recycling rate has met or exceeded 63% every year since 2009. Paper recycling is a model that works because of the industry’s investment and the millions of people who recycle every day. Read what we’re doing to continue to improve paper recycling.

While you’re sipping your latte, you may wonder are paper cups recyclable? Yes, paper cups are recyclable! There are currently 31 mills across North America recycling paper cups. The fiber from those cups is then used to make tissue, paper and paper packaging.  

AF&PA released new industry guidance giving consumers confidence on the recyclability of paper padded mailers. Paper padded mailers are widely recycled at paper mills across the country.

The findings presented in the 2021 AF&PA Access to Recycling Study show us that community recycling programs for paper and paper-based packaging are well-developed and widely accessible. This is good news when so many individuals are looking to make a difference on…