Paper Recycling Technology
and Education Solutions
Research, outreach and new technologies are helping ensure
the products the industry makes can be recycled.
Our industry is continuously working to innovate and improve technology, especially when it comes to recycling. Recycled paper products are a key component of our circular value chain.
Projects include:
- Building new mills that use recycled paper
- Converting paper machines
- Upgrading mills
- Improving repulping systems
- Creating new, innovative recyclable packaging solutions.
Mill Investments
Since 2019, our industry has announced or is expected to complete projects by 2025 that will use more than 9 million tons of recycled paper.
Projects include building new mills, converting or expanding existing mills, and updating machinery and equipment.
Pratt Industries Henderson, KY Investment
Pratt Industries opened its $700 million, 100% recycled paper mill and cardboard box factory in Henderson, KY.
New-Indy Repulping Technology
New-Indy improved its repulping systems at its Ontario, CA mill by adding technology to help further screen out contaminants.
Explore more AF&PA member projects.
Graphic Packaging Building New Mill
Graphic Packaging International announced it will build a recycled paperboard mill in Waco, Texas.
Pratt Industries Wapakoneta, OH Mill
Pratt Industries opened a recycled paper mill in Wapakoneta, OH. The mill uses recycled paper to make material for cardboard boxes.
Domtar's Kingsport Conversion
Domtar invested $350 million to convert its Kingsport mill to a 100% recycled packaging plan.
Georgia-Pacific's Juno® Technology
Juno® is an innovative recycling process that captures recyclable material previously destined for landfill.
New, Innovative Packaging Solutions
Our industry has a goal to advance a circular value chain through the production of renewable and recyclable products.
As part of that goal, our members aim to increase the use of secondary materials like recycled paper in new paper products to 50% by 2030. They also aim to increase the percentage of our products that are recyclable or compostable.
Clearwater Paper's Future is Fiber
Clearwater Paper's Future is Fiber Initiative highlights efforts to increase the use of recycled paper in packaging.
Seaman Paper's Vela™ Bags
Made from paper, Vela bags replace single use polybags. They’re transparent, weather resistant and curbside recyclable.
Sonoco's EnviroFlex Paper ULT 2.0
EnviroFlex Paper ULT 2.0 is a curbside recyclable, flexible packaging. It can be used in various formats and is made without using forever chemicals.
Ahlstrom's PawPrint® Packaging
This pet food paper packaging is a non-PFAS, grease resistant, and fully recyclable solution.
Dive into more projects from AF&PA members.
Graphic Packaging's Boardio™
Boardio™ is a paper-based bottle. The innovative solution provides a renewable and recyclable packaging option.
Georgia-Pacific's Hot Cup
Georgia-Pacific developed America’s first hot cup made from 100% recycled fiber.
Smurfit Westrock's CanCollar®
The team developed a paper-based 6-pack ring solution that uses 95% less plastic.
Georgia-Pacific's Paper Mailer
EarthKraft™ is 100% curbside recyclable. The mailer was developed through collaboration with a major online retailer.
Increasing Access and Improving Education
Partnering to Educate Pizza Boxes are Recyclable
Smurfit Westrock teamed up with Domino’s Pizza and other industry partners to share that pizza boxes are recyclable.
The project took a four-prong approach:
- Document that paper mills want to recycle used pizza boxes
- Study the impact of grease and cheese on recycling
- Assess access to pizza box recycling
- Launch a public educational portal to spread the word that pizza boxes are recyclable.
Increasing Paper Cup Recycling Access
AF&PA is a member of the Paper Cup Alliance (PCA). PCA works with mills, recycling centers and communities to expand paper cup recycling access.
Paper mills are adding and advancing the technology and infrastructure needed to process paper cups.
Across North America, more than 40 mills can recycle paper cups and turn them into new products. The number of cities accepting paper cups is growing too.