Packaging

Total Boxboard production in Q3 increased by 1% compared to Q3 2025. The boxboard operating rate was 88.3%, down 1.5 points from the same quarter last year.

According to the report, the total containerboard industry operating rate remained above 94.5% for the second consecutive quarter, bringing the year-to-date operating rate 2.5 points higher than last year. 

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in September increased 2% compared to September 2025. They were up 4% when compared to the same 9 months of 2025.

Yes. Toilet paper tubes can be recycled. Toilet paper tubes are typically made from paper and are recyclable.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in August increased 4% compared to August 2025. They were up 5% when compared to the same 8 months of 2025.

More than 33 million tons of cardboard was recycled in 2024. The cardboard recycling rate was 69% -74%.

Download AF&PA's handout explaining the 2025 paper and cardboard recycling rates.

In 2025, nearly half of recycled paper went into making containerboard — the material used to make cardboard boxes.

Paper recycling is a success. In 2025, the paper recycling rate was 61-65% and the cardboard recycling rate was 70-75%.

The 2025 cardboard recycling rate was 70% - 75%.

Grease and cheese in an amount typically found on pizza boxes are not an issue for the recycling process. 82% of Americans have access to a community recycling program that accepts pizza boxes.

Yes, paper gets recycled! Today, more than 2/3 of all paper recycled in the U.S. is turned into new products Americans rely on at mills nationwide.