According to the AFPA, the
gain between 1999 and last year is among the largest one-year increases ever
recorded for the recovery rate – measured by the total amount of paper
recovered for domestic use and export as a percentage of purchases of paper and
paperboard.
Exports of recovered paper
increased more than 20 percent last year, with shipments to Canada, Mexico and
China leading the way. Consumption of recovered paper by U.S. mills increased
2.3 percent last year, which was impressive given that production of paper and
paperboard declined 2.8 percent.
Last year’s overall recovery
rate increase reflected strong progress at the grade-specific level. For
instance, the recovery rate for old newspapers increased from 68 percent in
1999 to 71 percent last year, while the recovery rate for old corrugated
containers jumped dramatically from 69 percent to 75 percent.
The paper recovery rate, especially for specific grades, has shown some volatility over the years. However, since 1988 when the recovery rate was 30 percent and the industry began measuring progress towards its goal, there has been incremental progress each year. There has been a 66 percent increase in the recovery rate since then.
Explore the March 2001 Issue
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