Paper

What is Extended Producer Responsibility

SManger — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

What is Extended Producer Responsibility

SManger Fri, 12/20/2024 - 09:00

Key Takeaways

EPR programs have brand owners, producers, and manufacturers pay to recycle or dispose of their products.

Paper is one of the most widely recycled materials in the U.S. The paper industry is working to capture even more paper from the waste stream for recycling. Paper recycling rates in the U.S. have consistently increased in recent decades.

This article covers:

The definition of Extended Producer Responsibility
The role of paper in EPR programs
Our industry’s investment to improve paper recycling
Our recommendation for EPR programs

What is an Extended Producer Responsibility Program?

Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, is the concept where brand owners, producers, and material manufacturers pay for the end-of-life costs to recycle or dispose of products they put on the market.

Types of EPR are in place in countries around the world, including in Europe and Canada. It’s also in place in the U.S. too.

Fees for producers vary based on the EPR program. Generally, fees might help cover:

Material collection
Waste disposal
Technology upgrades
Educational materials
Program administration
Development of recycling end-markets

Has Extended Producer Responsibility Been Implemented Before in the U.S.?

Yes, EPR programs are already in place in the U.S. In many instances, the EPR program is for hard-to-recycle materials like batteries, paint, electronics and mattresses.

Canada and Europe have similar EPR policies for these types of products as well.
EPR programs can be effective when:

Products are difficult to process
Products have low recycling rates
Healthy end markets do not exist

However, these issues don’t apply to paper and paper-based packaging in the U.S.

What is the Paper Industry’s Role in Extended Producer Responsibility Programs?

EPR programs can be an effective way to improve recycling for materials with low recycling rates. One-size-fits-all EPR proposals don’t distinguish between materials that are highly recycled – like paper and paper packaging products – and those that aren’t.

Paper is one of the most widely recycled materials in America. Paper recycling rates in the U.S. are consistently high and have increased in recent decades. Our industry recycles paper from industrial, commercial, institutional and residential streams.

By any metric, paper is a recycling success story.

We recycled 46 million tons of paper in the U.S. in 2023. That’s 126,000 tons per day.

See the paper recycling rates.

79% of Americans have access to a community residential-curbside recycling program, making it easy to recycle paper and cardboard at home.

Download our 2021 Access to Recycling study.

Robust and resilient end markets already exist for recycled paper. Meaning, when we recover used paper, we’re turning it into new products like boxes and tissue.

Explore the paper recycling process.

DID YOU KNOW

Most U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper to make new products. Recycled paper makes packaging for food and medicine, shipping materials, tissue products like toilet paper and paper towels, and office and newspapers.

Explore the Paper Recycling Process

What Has the Paper Industry Done to Improve Paper Recycling?

Investing in and improving paper recycling has been an industry priority for decades. The paper industry is working to capture even more paper from the waste stream for recycling.

Set Voluntary Goals

The U.S. paper industry set its first recycling goal in 1990 to improve paper recycling rates. We recycle nearly 60% more paper today than we did in 1990.

Works to Increase the Use of Recycled Paper

We’ve set a goal to increase the use of secondary materials like recycled paper in new paper products to 50% by 2030. Additionally, 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.

Advocates for Strong Residential Recycling

AF&PA and our members are strong advocates for residential recycling programs. We work with stakeholders and partners who encourage community involvement to increase recycling access and improve education.

Has an Ownership Stake in Recycling

AF&PA members own and operate more than 100 materials recovery facilities (MRFs) nationwide. That’s where recyclables are sorted and processed.

Invests in Education, Resources and Research

In the 1990s, AF&PA created a program to help promote paper recycling in the U.S., which is still ongoing today. Our industry also tested and found pizza boxes and all-paper padded mailers can be successfully recycled at paper mills.

Improving Recycling Systems Requires Data-Driven Solutions

Waste and recycling management is complex because of things like:

Geographic region
Differences in what’s accepted based on community, city, county and state jurisdiction
Difference in waste management companies
Proximity to/amount of materials recovery facilities
Housing type

Product manufacturing and the supply chain is also complex and crosses state lines. For example, recycled paper can be shipped to a paper mill in a different state. What’s accepted by paper mills might not be accepted in local communities.

Robust data helps states understand what’s working well within their recycling system so they can maximize success and minimize harm. They also identify issues the state needs to work on in the future.

States need to have as much information as possible about the current waste, recycling and materials management systems before considering EPR programs.

AF&PA Releases November 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

Astolt — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:44:48 +0000

AF&PA Releases November 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

Astolt Thu, 12/19/2024 - 10:44

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the November 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6% in November compared to November 2023. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 2% in October compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% when compared to October 2024.

November yeartodate (YTD) total U.S. shipments grew 2% compared to the same period last year. UFS and CFS shipments increased by 0.1% and 7% YTD, respectively. MECH shipments however, decreased 2% YTD.

A subscription to the complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

AF&PA Releases October 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

Astolt — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:20:17 +0000

AF&PA Releases October 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

Astolt Wed, 11/20/2024 - 13:20

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the October 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 3% in October compared to October 2023. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 11% in September compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 3% when compared to September 2024.

October year to date (YTD) total U.S. shipments experienced growth of 2% compared to the same period last year. UFS and CFS shipments increased by 1% and 7% YTD, respectively. MECH shipments however, decreased 0.4% YTD.

A subscription to the complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

Press Release

Statistics

Paper

AF&PA Releases October 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

CCozort — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:59:17 +0000

AF&PA Releases October 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

CCozort Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:59

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the October 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in October increased 10% compared to October 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same 10 months of 2023.

The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 85.3%, up 2.9 points from October 2023 and up 5.8 points year-to-date.
Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers – food wrapping – were 24,300 short tons for the month of October, down 4.7% from the same month last year and down 0.5% year-to-date.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

Where Recycled Paper Goes Graph

superuser — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Where Recycled Paper Goes Graph

superuser Thu, 11/14/2024 - 12:00

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

DOWNLOAD

Paper Recycling Rate Graphic

SManger — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:31:18 +0000

Paper Recycling Rate Graphic

SManger Thu, 11/14/2024 - 11:31

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

Download

Paper and Cardboard Recycling Rate Graphic

SManger — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 16:13:56 +0000

Paper and Cardboard Recycling Rate Graphic

SManger Thu, 11/14/2024 - 11:13

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

Download

How Much Paper Was Recycled in 2023?

SManger — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:41:20 +0000

How Much Paper Was Recycled in 2023?

SManger Thu, 11/14/2024 - 04:41

Understanding the Paper and Cardboard Recycling Rates

Key Takeaways

In 2023, 46 million tons of paper was recycled. 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. Paper recycling rates have continuously grown over recent decades and remain consistently high.

In 2023, 46 million tons of paper was recycled. The paper recycling rate was 65-69% and the cardboard recycling rate was 71-76%.

Our rates include paper and packaging recovered for recycling from different streams including:

Residential: Curbside, apartment building communal or drop-off recycling.
Industrial: Manufacturing, factories, gas and electric plants, etc.
Commercial: Grocery stores, big box stores, office buildings, etc.
Institutional: Hospitals, schools, etc.

Did You Know

About 80% of U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper to make new products.

Learn More About the Recycling Rates

How is AF&PA's New Rate Calculated?

AF&PA updated our recycling rate methodology.

The new rate is calculated as the amount of paper recycled compared to the amount of paper available for recovery. Aspects of the calculations are based on estimates, which makes the rates best expressed as a range.

The previous rate measured the amount of paper recycled compared to the amount of paper used.

Our updated recycling rate methodology will help address data gaps by using:

Industry data
Knowledge and subject matter expertise
Detailed U.S. trade data.

Explore our recycling rate methodology

How is the Paper Industry Helping to Improve Recycling?

Investing in and improving paper recycling has been an industry priority for decades. The paper industry is working to capture even more paper from the waste stream for recycling.

Our efforts include:

Voluntary goal setting
Increasing the use of recycled paper
An ownership stake in the recycling system
Investing in recycling education
Developing resources
Conducting research

Dive deeper into our decades long commitment to improve paper recycling

How Can I Make Sure My Paper and Cardboard Gets Recycled?

The recycling process, especially at home, starts with you. Here’s what you can do to help make sure your paper products end up at one of our mills:

Check your local guidelines for what’s accepted. This helps avoid contamination.
Keep paper products dry and clean.
Empty and flatten cardboard boxes to save space.
If something isn’t currently accepted in your area like pizza boxes or paper cups, ask your local government why not. Send them our guidance.

Paper mills want your paper products back. We want to recycle paper products. We need to, actually. It’s a key part of our manufacturing process. Let’s work together to keep paper recycling a success story!

Learn about the paper recycling process

Does Paper Actually Get Recycled? The Industry Answers

superuser — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:27:18 +0000

Does Paper Actually Get Recycled? The Industry Answers

superuser Thu, 11/14/2024 - 04:27

Question: You put your recycling in the bin and drop it at the curb. Then what happens? Does it actually get recycled?

Answer: Yes! At paper mills across the country, recycled paper is used to make the essential products millions of people rely on.

How Paper Recycling Works

Here's how the process works:

After your local recycling hauler picks up your recycling, it’s taken to a materials recovery facility (MRF) where it’s sorted into like things.

Workers remove items that shouldn’t be there, also called contaminants. That includes things like plastic bags, holiday lights, diapers and even bowling balls.

Paper is often separated first and sorted into groups for cardboard, mixed paper, office paper, among others. Then, the paper is baled and shipped to a paper mill where it’s turned into new paper products.

Learn More About the Paper Recycling Process

Paper Recycling is a Success Story

In 2023, the paper recycling rate was 65-69% and we recycled 46 million tons of paper. Nearly half of recycled paper went into making containerboard — the material used to make cardboard boxes.

Recycled paper is also used to make boxes for dry foods like cereal or pasta, tissue products like toilet paper and paper towels, as well as newspapers.

About 80% of U.S. paper mills use some recycled paper to make new and innovative products! Recycled paper is also exported. It's used in paper mills around the world to manufacture new products.

As one of the most recycled materials in the U.S., paper is a practical and sustainable choice.

Dive Into the Paper and Cardboard Recycling Rates

What Can You Do?

What can you do to make sure you’re recycling properly? Check your local community’s website to understand what’s accepted in your area. This helps ensure you avoid wishcycling.

Wishcycling is when you put something in your recycling bin hoping it will be recycled. Tossing something in your recycling bin because you think it can be recycled leads to contamination.

Putting non-recyclables in the recycling bin also clogs up the machines and can possibly injure the operations crew. That includes things like:

Plastic bags and films
Wire hangers
Holiday lights
Garden hoses

When you recycle correctly, you’re helping us advance a more sustainable future.

And when it comes to paper items: keep them dry and clean, then put them in the recycling bin.

Paper Industry Announces 2023 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates Using Updated Methodology

SManger — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:39:49 +0000

Paper Industry Announces 2023 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates Using Updated Methodology

SManger Wed, 11/13/2024 - 09:39

Paper recycling rate (65-69%) and cardboard recycling rate (71-76%) remain high

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today announced that 65-69% of paper available for recovery in the United States was recycled in 2023.

The 2023 paper recycling rate is the first using AF&PA's updated methodology, which utilizes extensive industry data, subject matter expertise and detailed U.S. trade data to account for the continued shift of the U.S. balance of trade towards imports.

The 2023 calculations show that paper remains one of the most highly recycled materials in America, with the industry recycling nearly 60% more paper today than it did in 1990 when initial recycling rate goals were established.

“No matter how you measure it, paper recycling is an environmental success story,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock.

“We are a fact-based, data-driven organization, and our updated recycling rate methodology represents the most thorough recycling rate possible using all currently available data.

"This updated methodology, which calculates the amount of paper recycled as a share of the amount of all paper for recovery, reflects our commitment to utilize the best data available to support industry investments and guide our efforts to recover and recycle more paper and paper packaging products."

Cardboard Recycling Rate

In 2023, the recycling rate for cardboard was 71-76%. The rate incorporates all primary collection channels – including industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential – combined with a more extensive analysis of U.S. trade data.

Updated Methodology

To reflect continuously evolving global economic, supply chain, and trade flows, AF&PA updated its recycling rate methodology for estimating product packaging imports/exports as part of the cardboard recycling rate calculations, resulting in the most thorough and fact-based recycling rate possible with currently available data.

The new recycling rate is calculated as the amount of paper recycled as a share of the amount of paper available for recovery. Through the updated methodology, AF&PA has:

Improved estimates of net imported product packaging using more detailed trade data and better estimates of packaging dimensions based on industry data and expertise.
Deducted an estimate of materials in recovered paper bales that are not used in manufacturing (e.g., paper not suitable for use in the specific grade; non-paper materials; net moisture).
In the cardboard recycling rate calculation, made adjustments for cardboard and other paper-based consumer packaging in different commodity bales.
Provided our rates as a range to acknowledge aspects of the calculations are based on estimates.
As a process step, enlisted an independent, third-party reviewer to examine its methodology and findings to ensure their rigor and validity.

Paper Industry Investment

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. These projects include building new mills, converting or expanding existing mills, and updating machinery and equipment.

"This updated methodology will direct our industry’s efforts to capture even more paper for use in manufacturing new products," said Brock.

"We look forward to working with key decisionmakers and stakeholders to develop policies that support this goal and improve education about recycling best practices to increase consumer participation."

View more information about U.S. paper recycling and the paper recycling rate.