The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) announced yesterday that a record-high 63.4 percent of the paper consumed in the U.S. was recovered for recycling in 2009. This is great news for the industry and the environment, and exceeds the industry’s 60 percent recovery goal three years ahead of schedule. To balance growing global demand for recovered fiber and decreased paper consumption, increasing recovery nationwide remains a priority.
"Recycling is one of America’s great environmental success stories and the paper industry is proud of our ongoing leadership role in this arena," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. "Today’s announcement is a testament to the work of the industry and the commitment of millions of Americans who recycle at home, school and work on a daily basis."