Packaging

In 2024, nearly half of recycled paper went into making containerboard — the material used to make cardboard boxes.

The 2024 cardboard recycling rate was 69% - 74%.

Paper recycling is a success. In 2024, the paper recycling rate was 60-64% and the cardboard recycling rate was 69-74%.

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. 

Yes, paper gets recycled! Today, more than 2/3 of all paper recycled in the U.S. is turned into new products Americans rely on at mills nationwide.

Download AF&PA's handout explaining the 2024 paper and cardboard recycling rates.

Total Boxboard production in Q2 remained essentially flat compared to Q2 2024.  The boxboard operating rate was 87.6%, down 1.8 points from the same quarter last year.

According to the report, total Containerboard production in Q2 decreased 5% compared to Q2 2024. It was down 3% when compared to the same 6 months of 2024.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in June increased 5% compared to June 2024. They were down 2% when compared to the same 6 months of 2024.

Paperboard is a strong, lightweight packaging material made from wood pulp or recycled paper pulp. Paperboard is used to package things like cereal and medicine boxes. 

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in May decreased 7% compared to May 2024.

AF&PA and FBA announced an update to their “Voluntary Standard For Repulping and Recycling Coated or Treated Corrugated Fiberboard and its Equivalents in the Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) Recycling Stream.”