Last week, we celebrated Earth Day – an important occasion to spotlight America’s paper recycling system as a strategic driver in our nation’s sustainability efforts. Nurtured by billions of dollars in private investments and educational initiatives, our paper recycling infrastructure has become an indispensable tool for building a more circular economy and sustainable future.
As we celebrate the planet, we should both acknowledge our paper industry’s contributions to sustainability efforts and more thoughtfully consider when policies could hinder a successful paper recycling system.
Why? Because successful paper recycling is under threat in several states where policymakers have introduced extended producer responsibility (EPR) proposals which could erect unnecessary obstacles to recycle paper, discourage additional industry investment, and make recovered paper markets more costly and less efficient.
EPR policies should not shoehorn very different materials (paper, plastic, aluminum, glass) together under a single regulatory umbrella with the misguided expectation that recycling for all will be improved as a result. EPR policies should instead recognize our industry’s investments in recycling and sustainability programs proven to work.
Data shows paper recycling is an environmental success story. Nationwide, our recycling rate for paper met or exceeded 63% every year since 2009. The recycling rate of cardboard, one of the most widely used paper products, is approximately 89%. And more paper is recycled by weight from municipal waste streams than plastic, glass, steel, and aluminum combined.
This success is due in part to our paper industry’s investments in widespread and accessible recycling options. Today, 94% of Americans have access to community paper and paperboard recycling programs. Curbside recycling, which makes recycling simple and convenient, is now available to 79% of Americans – an increase of more than 14 million people since 2014. These waste-reduction achievements mean the paper industry recycles about 50 million tons of recovered paper every year.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) remains dedicated to building on our track record of sustainability achievements. Our members are committed to the Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 sustainability goals, advancing sustainable practices at the foundation of the paper and wood products industry.
Our paper industry is already driving a circular value chain through the production of renewable and recyclable products as part of our sustainability goals. By 2030, our members will have increased their use of recycled fibers and wood residuals in manufacturing by 50%.
In addition, our industry has planned or announced approximately $5 billion in manufacturing infrastructure investments through 2024 to continue the best use of recycled fiber in our products. These investments will help increase the amount of recovered paper used by U.S. paper and paperboard mills by approximately 8 million tons – a 25% increase over 2020 levels.
At the same time, our members are also working to address the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on our climate. AF&PA members have already reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by more than 23% since 2005. And recently, our industry set a new goal to cut GHG emissions in half by 2030.
Our industry is doing its part to strengthen our recycling infrastructure, reduce waste, and conserve our natural resources. EPR policies, if not thoughtfully designed, could jeopardize our industry’s highly successful efforts.
AF&PA members have demonstrated leadership in sustainability through support for a combination of widely accessible programs and carefully considered investments. Join us in celebrating these achievements and recycle paper products to help create a more sustainable future for us all.
Heidi Brock is President and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) in Washington, D.C.