OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) Waste Paper Market Set to Reach USD 70.4 Billion by 2035, Driven by Recycling Demand and Sustainable Packaging

The global OCC (Old Corrugated Containers) waste paper market is witnessing steady expansion as sustainability and recycling practices continue to transform the global packaging industry. Valued at USD 43.2 billion in 2025, the market is forecast to reach USD 70.4 billion by 2035, advancing at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period (2025–2035).

This growth is largely fueled by the rising adoption of recycled materials in packaging, cost-efficiency in production, and increasing government emphasis on circular economy models.

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Quick Stats for the OCC Waste Paper Market

• Market Value (2025): USD 43.2 billion
• Forecast Value (2035): USD 70.4 billion
• CAGR (2025–2035): 5.0%
• Leading Applications: Packaging, Paperboard, Industrial Use
• Top Growth Regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific
• Notable Companies: Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd, DS Smith Plc, Georgian Paper Mill, Global Eco Recyclers, International Paper, Kruger Inc., Reliable Paper, Republic Services, Royal Oak Recycling, Smurfit Kappa Group, Sonoco Products Company, SUEZ, Viridor, WestRock Company

Why the Market is Growing

The OCC waste paper industry is thriving due to global efforts to reduce landfill waste, promote recycling, and decrease reliance on virgin fiber for packaging. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting recycled corrugated paper to cut costs and meet environmental regulations.

• Sustainable Packaging Shift: Growing demand for eco-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging across FMCG, e-commerce, and retail sectors.
• Government Regulations: Policies supporting recycling and restrictions on plastic packaging accelerate OCC collection and reuse.
• Cost Efficiency: Recycled corrugated containers provide an affordable raw material alternative for paperboard and packaging.
• E-commerce Expansion: Rising global shipping and packaging needs are driving OCC recycling demand.

Segmental Analysis

Packaging Industry Leads Adoption

OCC waste paper remains the backbone of packaging, particularly in corrugated boxes and paperboard products. With the boom in e-commerce and retail, demand for recycled corrugated packaging continues to rise.

Industrial & Commercial Usage Expanding

Industries are increasingly recycling corrugated waste to support closed-loop systems, reducing operational costs and meeting sustainability targets.

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Regional Outlook

• North America: Strong recycling infrastructure and government-backed circular economy initiatives support market growth.
• Europe: Sustainability-driven policies and advanced recycling facilities drive high OCC recovery rates.
• Asia-Pacific: Rapidly expanding e-commerce and packaging industries in China and India create robust opportunities for OCC recycling.
• Latin America & MEA: Rising waste management awareness and infrastructure development open new growth avenues.

Market Dynamics

Key Growth Drivers

• Surge in sustainable packaging demand across industries.
• E-commerce boom increasing corrugated packaging use.
• Rising corporate ESG commitments toward recycling.

Restraints

• High collection and processing costs in underdeveloped markets.
• Quality inconsistency in recovered OCC waste impacting recyclability.

Competitive Landscape

Key players are investing in sustainable recycling processes, expanding facilities, and innovating technologies for efficient OCC recovery:

• Global Leaders: International Paper, WestRock Company, Smurfit Kappa Group dominate through large-scale recycling operations.
• Regional Specialists: DS Smith Plc, Kruger Inc., and SUEZ strengthen regional networks for collection and recovery.
• Emerging Innovators: Republic Services and Royal Oak Recycling focus on digital waste-tracking and efficient recovery solutions.

Recent Development

• June 2025: Smurfit Kappa revealed a $13.5 billion upgrade at its Zülpich mill in Germany, retrofitting the multi-fuel boiler to eliminate coal use and recover steam for recycled paper production.

Future Outlook:

The OCC waste paper market is positioned to play a critical role in driving global sustainability and circular economy goals. With increasing regulatory support, corporate commitments, and consumer preference for green packaging, market players that invest in scalable recycling infrastructure, cost-efficient collection systems, and innovative reuse applications will gain a competitive edge.

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