I recently read that the global use of recovered paper reached approximately 277.08 million metric tons in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily at a rate of around 2.5% annually, potentially reaching nearly 354.69 million metric tons by 2034. Read more here.
A big driver behind this trend is the growing emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy. Governments worldwide are enforcing stricter recycling policies, encouraging industries to use recovered paper as a raw material. This shift not only saves natural resources but also reduces carbon emissions, helping align with global environmental goals.
I’m curious — do you think this growth will be mostly driven by policy enforcement, corporate sustainability initiatives, or increasing consumer awareness about recycled products?
I would love to hear your thoughts on how recovered paper is shaping sustainable production and what challenges might arise from scaling its use globally.