Packaging

60%-64% of paper and 69%-74% of cardboard available for recovery were recycled in the United States in 2024. U.S. mills consumed more recycled paper in 2024 compared to 2023 while exports decreased.

In 2024, around 46 million tons of paper was recycled. The paper recycling rate was 60%-64% and the cardboard recycling rate was 69%-74%.

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.