How do paper waste statistics compare to plastic waste?

By weight, paper makes up a larger share of municipal solid waste than plastic, but it is recovered far more effectively and breaks down naturally. That combination is a big reason many brands are shifting from plastic to paper-based packaging.

• Paper recycling rates run roughly three times higher than plastic recycling rates, according to EPA figures
• Paper biodegrades naturally, while most plastics persist in the environment for hundreds of years
• Paper is easier to collect, sort, and reprocess through existing municipal systems
• Sustainable packaging trends reflect this gap, favoring paper and board over plastic