Features Environment & Sustainability
Recovered paper at all time high

The American Forest & Paper Association has confirmed more than half of the paper consumed in the U.S. during 2003…
The American Forest & Paper Association has confirmed more than half of the paper consumed in the U.S. during 2003 was recovered for recycling. The 49.3 million tons of paper represents a staggering increase of 69% since 1990, when only 33.5% of U.S. consumed paper was recycled.

"We’re very proud of the progress made by both our member companies and the American people in increasing paper recovery," said AF&PA president and CEO W. Henson Moore. "Paper recycling is easy to do, and it’s good for business, the community and the environment."

Over 80% of all U.S. paper mills employ recovered paper to make paper products. However, as domestic and export demand for U.S. recovered paper grows, indigenous supplies will be depleted by an anticipated 50% surge in U.S. exports of recovered paper.

In 2002 AF&PA set a goal to recover 55% of all paper consumed in the US by 2012.