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How Much Paper Was Recycled in 2025?

Update in Brief

How Much Paper Was Recycled in 2025?

In 2025, the U.S. recycled around 45 million tons of paper. The U.S. paper recycling rate was 61-65%, and the cardboard recycling rate was 70-75%. 
Paper Industry Announces 2025 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates

Press Release

Paper Industry Announces 2025 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates

The U.S. paper recycling rate was 61-65%, and the cardboard recycling rate was 70-75% in 2025. Around 45 million tons of paper were recycled.
Joint Statement From the American Forest & Paper Association and the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association on the Chemical Safety Board Announcement

Press Release

Joint Statement From the American Forest & Paper Association and the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association on the Chemical Safety Board Announcement

The following statement was issued by representatives of the American Forest & Paper Association and the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association on the Chemical Safety Board…
AF&PA Statement on U.S.-Canada Trade Discussions

Press Release

AF&PA Statement on U.S.-Canada Trade Discussions

AF&PA supports trade policies that address unfair practices and strengthen U.S. manufacturing. At the same time, escalating tariff disputes between the U.S. and Canada will…

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Press Release

AF&PA Releases March 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

April 17, 2026
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 7% in March compared to March 2025. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 1% when compared to February 2026.
Statistics
Paper

Press Release

AF&PA Statement Following Court Decision on Oregon EPR Litigation

April 8, 2026
AF&PA Statement Following Court Decision on Oregon EPR Litigation
We are disappointed by the court’s decision denying our motion to join the challenge to Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act. 
EPR
Recycling
Paper
Packaging

Industry Explainer

Why Does EPR Raise Costs for American Families?

March 26, 2026
Why Does EPR Raise Costs for American Families?
EPR works like a consumption tax. It ultimately increases the overall cost of groceries, household goods and paper products. 
EPR
Recycling
Paper
Packaging

Recycling Q&A

Can You Recycle Cereal Boxes?

March 25, 2026
Can You Recycle Cereal Boxes?
Yes, you can recycle cereal boxes! They're made from paperboard, which is recyclable.
Recycling
Packaging

Press Release

AF&PA Releases February 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

March 20, 2026
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6% in February compared to February 2025. 
Statistics
Paper

Press Release

AF&PA Releases February 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

March 19, 2026
Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in February increased 4% compared to February 2025. They were up 1% when compared to the same 2 months of 2025.
Statistics
Packaging

Press Release

AF&PA: Oregon’s EPR Approach Misses the Mark for Recycling Success

March 16, 2026
AF&PA: Oregon’s EPR Approach Misses the Mark for Recycling Success
AF&PA filed to take part in National Association of Wholesale Distributors v. Leah Feldon, et al. and requested the same temporary pause the court granted NAW.
EPR
Recycling

Press Release

AF&PA Releases January 2026 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

February 17, 2026
According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 13% in January compared to January 2025.
Statistics
Paper

Press Release

AF&PA Releases January 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

February 17, 2026
Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in January decreased 1% compared to January 2025.
Statistics
Packaging

Press Release

AF&PA Releases Q4 2025 Containerboard Quarterly Report

January 30, 2026
According to the report, total Containerboard production in 2025 decreased 4% compared to 2024. Operating rates stayed flat over the same time period, ending the year above 91%.
Statistics
Packaging

Press Release

AF&PA Releases Q4 2025 Boxboard Quarterly Report

January 30, 2026
Total Boxboard production in Q4 decreased 2% compared to Q4 2024. It was down 1% when compared to the same 12 months of 2024. The boxboard operating rate was 85.6%, down 2.3 points from the same quarter last year.
Statistics
Packaging

Press Release

AF&PA Elects Domtar’s Steve Henry as Chair

January 29, 2026
AF&PA announced Steve Henry, Domtar’s Paper & Packaging CEO & President USA, as incoming Board chair during the association's Winter Board of Directors' Meeting. We also welcomed 3 new member companies.