U.S. Paper Industry Reaches Recycling High in 2021
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68% of Paper Consumed in the United States Was Recycled
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), today, 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 rate was 91.4% in 2021, up from the 2020 rate of 88.8%, and overall, a three-year average of 90.5%.
“Paper recycling is stronger than ever and remains an environmental success story," said AF&PA President & CEO Heidi Brock. “In 2021, U.S. paper recycling reached a high rate of achievement. Further evidence that our industry’s investment and public participation in recycling programs are proven and effective.”
Paper recycling extends the life of fiber and advances the circular economy. It allows for the creation of new, sustainable paper-based packaging and products.
“Our industry is a leader in sustainability and understands what it means to be a responsible producer,” Brock said. “We are investing nearly $5 billion in projects from 2019 through 2024 to use approximately 8 million additional tons of recovered fiber. This reflects a longstanding commitment to invest in manufacturing infrastructure using recycled paper and improve the circular nature of our industry."
