BIR Reports Tight Supply, Firm Prices in Recovered Paper Market
Paper Recycling | 2026-07-20 08:03:37
According to the report, exporters were faced with growing challenges, including higher freight costs, shipping delays, longer transit times, and new regulatory requirements under the European Union's updated Waste Shipment Regulation.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The global recovered paper market remained under pressure during recent months despite rising prices, according to the latest quarterly report released by the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR). The market stability was impacted by various factors such as limited supply, logistics challenges, and changing trade patterns.
The report noted that recovered paper collection stayed below normal levels across several major markets. At the same time, paper mills increased inventory purchases to secure raw material supplies. This stronger competition for old corrugated containers (OCC), mixed paper, and other key grades kept the prices at elevated levels.
In the U.S, mills reported unusually low inventories in early June, resulting in stronger buying activity in both domestic and export markets. Lower paper recovery volumes were mainly on account of weaker consumer spending, higher fuel costs, and the rising use of lighter, more efficient packaging materials.
The stricter quality inspections by Indonesian authorities prompted some exporters to redirect shipments to alternative Asian markets.
According to the report, exporters were faced with growing challenges, including higher freight costs, shipping delays, longer transit times, and new regulatory requirements under the European Union's updated Waste Shipment Regulation.
Despite these pressures, demand from Asian buyers continued to help absorb excess recovered paper from Europe and North America.
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What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the global recovered paper market today?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did recovered paper prices remain high despite market pressures?
Prices stayed elevated because collection volumes remained below normal while paper mills increased purchases to build inventories, intensifying competition for key grades such as OCC and mixed paper.
- What factors reduced paper recovery volumes in the U.S.?
Weaker consumer spending, higher fuel costs, and the growing use of lighter packaging materials reduced the amount of recovered paper available for recycling.
- How did Indonesia's stricter quality inspections affect trade?
The tighter inspections prompted some exporters to redirect recovered paper shipments from Indonesia to alternative Asian markets.
