US paper industry and paper recycling remain resilient

AF&PA’s president and CEO reports that paper recovery for recycling was up nearly 9 percent in July compared with one year ago.

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The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, has released a statement on the status of the U.S. paper and wood products industry and paper recycling throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Heidi Brock, president and CEO of AF&PA, states that the industry has been “resilient” the past year and a half.

According to the statement from AF&PA, total paper recovery for recycling was up 8.9 percent in July compared with one year ago. Brock reports that 80 percent of paper mills are using some form of recovered paper to make products such as office paper, packaging, and bath and tissue products.

“American Forest & Paper Association members remain resilient in navigating challenges created by the ongoing pandemic. They continue to work safely and diligently in creating sustainable and innovative paper products for the circular economy,” Brock says. “Like all sectors of the economy, papermakers are dealing with challenges created by the ongoing pandemic. These include global and domestic supply chain issues, such as ocean freight bottlenecks and limited truck availability.

“Nevertheless, notable data points emerge and one of those is in the area of paper recycling, which continues to be an environmental success story. … Our industry remains committed to serving our customers worldwide, just as it has throughout the pandemic.”

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