Paper and paperboard waste market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The North American paper and paperboard waste market volume declined from 48 617 thousand tons in 2018 to 43 614 thousand tons in 2020. This contraction was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which disrupted production and led to temporary closures of some facilities, reducing overall output. Despite this, the accelerated demand for packaging from e-commerce during the pandemic provided a counterbalancing effect, supporting the need for recycled fibers. Additionally, stringent environmental regulations and a well-established recycling infrastructure in the region continued to shape the market framework.

Market volume recovered to 47 127 thousand tons by 2022, fueled by sustained growth in e-commerce and increased demand for cardboard packaging in sectors like healthcare. Major players, including Georgia-Pacific, invested in vertical integration and modernization of recycling capacities to secure supply of recycled fibers. Environmental policies and sustainability goals further encouraged the use of recovered paper, while the strong performance of kraft cardboard segments underscored the shift toward durable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

In 2023, the market volume decreased to 43 124 thousand tons. This adjustment occurred alongside volatility in pulp and raw material prices, which pressured producers' margins. Concurrently, the industry saw significant investments totaling billions of dollars toward sustainable packaging transitions and higher automation in logistics, which imposed stricter quality tolerances on cardboard. Advancements in certification, such as the rise in FSC-certified corrugated production, reflected ongoing efforts to meet environmental standards and consumer preferences for greener packaging.

Production paper and paperboard waste in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

World map of production of paper and paperboard waste, 2017-2020

Paper and paperboard waste production in Northern America has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 44 954 thousand tons, which represents a 5.5% decrease from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.7%, averaging an annual decline of 3.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 50 487 thousand tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 5.8% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 at 0.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of paper and paperboard waste production in Northern America has also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 5 752 million US dollars, down 1.6% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 16.5%, translating to an average annual decline of 5.8%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 7 430 million US dollars. The sharpest decline took place in 2019 with a 21.3% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 7.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports paper and paperboard waste from Northern America

Exports in kind, K t

Paper and paperboard waste exports from Northern America have fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 343 thousand tons, showing a significant reduction of 15.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 45.6%, which averages out to an 18.4% annual decline.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China, India, and South Korea were the leading destinations for Northern America's paper and paperboard waste exports by volume. China accounted for 32.2% of exports, India for 18.2%, and South Korea for 4.1%. Together, these three countries represented 54.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of paper and paperboard waste exports from Northern America has also declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 171.8 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial year-over-year loss of 12.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value fell by 49.1%, equating to an average annual decrease of 20.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In terms of value, Northern America's paper and paperboard waste exports from 2017 to 2020 were distributed among a diverse set of partners. China led with 27.6% of export value, followed by India at 11.8% and South Korea at 4.2%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 43.6% of total flows, while the remaining 56.4% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020

Imports paper and paperboard waste to Northern America

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of paper and paperboard waste into Northern America showed considerable volatility during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 2 thousand tons, before increasing to the same level in 2020, marking a 25.4% rise from 2019. The most dramatic decline occurred in 2018 with a 99.8% drop. Overall, imports fluctuated significantly, with a 407-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of paper and paperboard waste imports into Northern America amounted to 126.5 million US dollars, up 2.8% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 14.6%, averaging a 5.1% annual decline. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 123.0 million US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 at 158.2 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 22.2% drop, and the biggest increase was in 2018 at 6.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020