North American Recovered Paper Market Softens This Summer

Recycling Today (08/08/25)

The North American recovered paper market softened in May and June after months of stable or rising prices, with declines reported for OCC, mixed paper, and high grades, according to the Bureau of International Recycling’s World Mirror on Recovered Paper. Domestic mills have slowed orders and turned away contracted tonnage amid lower demand and rising inventories, while recent permanent mill closures from Smurfit Westrock, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, and Cascades add to capacity reductions. New or converted mills have provided some relief, but not enough to offset shutdowns. Industry sources caution that prices could continue to weaken in the months ahead. Market pressures are also evident in Europe and Southeast Asia, where high inventories, summer shutdowns, and weak export demand are contributing to cautious outlooks.

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