The American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) recently announced that by 2021, 68% of all paper consumed in the United States will be recycled – a rate comparable to the previous highest.

In addition, the recovery rate of used corrugated boxes (OCC), commonly referred to as paperboard, has been improved. The ratio in 2021 is 91.4%, higher than 88.8% in 2020. Overall, the three-year average is 90.5%.

Heidi Brock, president and CEO of AF&PA, said, “Paper recycling is more powerful than ever before and is still an environmental success story. In 2021, paper recycling in the United States reached a high achievement rate. It further proves that our industry’s investment in recycling programs and public participation are proving effective.”

Paper recycling extends the service life of fibers and promotes the circular economy. It allows the creation of new, sustainable paper packaging and products.

“Our industry is a leader in sustainable development and understands what it means to be a responsible producer,” Brock said. “From 2019 to 2024, we will invest nearly US $5 billion in the project to use an additional 8 million tons of recycled fiber. This reflects our long-term commitment to investing in the use of recycled paper to manufacture infrastructure and improve the recycling of our industry.”