How Much Cardboard is Recycled?

After dipping from 92.8 percent in 2016 to 88.8 percent in 2017, the U.S. recovery for recycling rate for old corrugated containers (OCC) rebounded to 96.4 percent in 2018. AF&PA has published annual U.S. recovery rate data for OCC since the introduction of the Corrugated Recycles symbol in 1993. The rate has followed a steady trend upward from 54 percent in 1993 to the current record-high rate. Given the recent volatility in the recycling markets, it is instructive to note the three-year average (2016-2018) is a steady 92.7 percent. The U.S. OCC recovery for recycling rate is calculated by dividing the U.S. recovery of OCC for recycling by the U.S. apparent consumption of new containerboard (i.e., material used to make corrugated boxes that has not yet converted into boxes) over a given period, usually one year. AF&PA’s calculation of the U.S. OCC recovery for recycling rate is consistent with the calculation methodology used by major U.S. trading partners around the world (e.g., the European Union, Japan). Click Read More below for additional information

Tronox Holdings plc has received a Platinum Rating by EcoVadis in recognition of its sustainability efforts. The Platinum Rating puts Tronox in the top one percent of companies evaluated and represents a significant improvement over its Silver Rating in 2019 and 2020. The step change in Tronox’s 2021 EcoVadis rating reflects how deeply embedded sustainability and corporate social responsibility have become in its business practices and the advancements Tronox has made in its public disclosure on these topics. The EcoVadis assessment focuses on four themes: the environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Tronox achieved a 10-point increase in all categories, and a 20-point increase in the environmental category. “In the past 18 months, we have taken a number of significant steps that demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, including publicly announcing our plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental targets, aligning with Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) reporting, becoming a member of the UN Global Compact, and creating and implementing new compliance and environmental policies,” said Melissa Zona, Tronox’s Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer. “This accomplishment also reflects the importance of sustainability to our employees, who remain focused on operating our business responsibly for our customers, communities and future generations.”

Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, has announced the release of its 2016 Sustainability Report. The report showcases Sappi’s industry leading sustainability performance. “Each year, we look forward to reporting our progress against the five year goals we set to ensure that Sappi North America continues as a thriving, sustainable, re-investable paper and paper-based packaging company,” said Mark Gardner, President and CEO, Sappi North America. “In addition to our award-winning environmental practices, this year, I am also proud of the continued innovation in our products, reinvestment in our business and commitment to safety by our employees and stakeholders. We have an eye to the future and we’re eager to see what the next year brings.” click Read More below for additional detail