AF&PA Released New Industry Guidance on Recycling Paper Padded Mailers

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) - the national trade association of the paper and wood products industry, released new industry guidance, aimed at giving confidence to customers on the recyclability of paper padded mailers. It encourages communities to accept paper padded mailers for recycling.

The guidance follows the results of the recent survey conducted among AF&PA members, which indicated that paper padded mailers are widely accepted at member mills across the country. According to the survey, 85% of total member consumption of mixed paper and 83 percent of old-corrugated containers (OCC) accept padded mailers for recycling. Incidentally, paper padded mailers are made using four layers of paper and cushioning.

Heidi Brock, CEO, AF&PA noted that the new and innovative paper padded mailers are recycled at paper mills throughout the country. AF&PA urges local communities to update their recycling guidelines to explicitly accept paper padded mailers, offering consumers the option to recycle at curbside or drop-off locations, she added.

AF&PA noted that paper padded mailers are made with renewable materials and are recyclable. The recycled fibers could be used to manufacture new products. It could be used as alternatives to other options, the association said.

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