Where Recovered Paper Goes

Data for the year 2011 indicates that 30 percent of the paper and paperboard recovered in the U.S. went to produce containerboard (i.e., the material used for corrugated boxes) and 11 percent went to produce boxboard, which includes folding boxes and gypsum wallboard facings.

Exports of recovered paper to China and other nations absorbed 42 percent of the paper collected for recycling in the U.S. in 2011.