The price for OCC declined by nearly 13% over the past month. Other fiber grades also fell.
Recycling operators across the country two years ago were enjoying record high values for old corrugated containers. Now, they are either storing the material, unloading it at little profit or sending loads to disposal.
Nestlé Waters North America is betting that it can connect with consumers over the long term by using high levels of recovered material.
A division of Republic Services recently brought legal action against a public authority, claiming it is handling loads far dirtier than what the two sides agreed to in a contract.
In the wake of recent trade announcements from the U.S. and China, recycled paper pulp shipped to China will face additional levies and a North American equipment supplier has predicted major fallout from increased costs.
Already pummeled fiber prices have continued to fall further, with OCC now trading at around $32 per ton.
Recovered fiber end users continue to experience impacts from fluctuating recycling markets, which they discussed in their recent earnings calls. Stakeholders also speculated on the future of fiber exports to Asia.
Consumption of U.S. recovered fiber versus overall finished paper products sold into the market hit a record high percentage in 2018. An industry group explained the increase, which came amid market challenges.
Lower scrap aluminum prices helped improve profitability for aluminum rolling and recycling company Novelis last year.
U.S. recovered paper and plastic exports each grew slightly in April, hitting their largest monthly volumes so far in 2019.