AF&PA: U.S. Paper Industry Recycling Rate Hit Fresh Peak

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced that the U.S. paper industry achieved highest recycling rate during the previous year. Nearly 68% of the paper consumed in the U.S. was recycled in 2021, it noted. Also, the recycling rate for old corrugated containers (OCC) increased significantly from 88.8% in 2020 to 91.4% in 2021.

Commenting on the achievement, Heidi Brock, President and CEO, AF&PA noted that paper recycling is stronger than ever and continues to remain as an environmental success story. The high recycling rate in 2021 demonstrates that the industry’s investment and public participation in recycling programs are proven and effective, she added.

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According to AF&PA, more than 50 million tons of paper was recovered for recycling in 2021. The paper recycling rate has met or exceeded 63% since 2009, it noted. Also, cardboard continues to be the most recycled packaging material in the U.S. In 2021, the industry recovered more than 35 million tons of cardboard for recycling. Incidentally, the cardboard recycling rate has met or exceeded 82% since 2009.

As per rough estimates, 94% of Americans have access to community recycling programs. The industry has been investing billions of dollars in infrastructure aimed at boosting the utilization of recycled paper in various products.