Product Stewardship

We explain Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs, the role of the paper industry in EPR, our industry's investment to improve paper recycling and our recommendations for EPR programs. 

In 2023, nearly half of recycled paper went into making containerboard — the material used to make cardboard boxes.

In 2023, the paper recycling rate was 65% - 69%. 

The 2023 cardboard recycling rate was 71% - 76%.

Paper recycling is a success. In 2023, the paper recycling rate was 65-69% and the cardboard recycling rate was 71-76%.

Paper is one of the most highly recycled materials in the U.S. The paper recycling rate was 65-69% and the cardboard recycling rate was 71-76%.

AF&PA announced 65-69% of paper available for recovery in the United States was recycled in 2023. The recycling rate for cardboard was 71-76%.

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The NY State Legislature ended its session without passing the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. The AF&PA supports recycling improvements but seeks provisions to protect paper and paper-based packaging recycling in future discussions.

Paper bags are widely accepted for recycling across the U.S. They are the only bags that are recyclable in curbside bins. This ease of recycling makes them a convenient choice.  

AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock urged Minnesota Governor Walz to veto HF 3911.