Mid America Paper Recycling

January 23, 2025

Sustainable Solutions Tailored to Your Needs

For nearly 100 years, Mid America Paper Recycling (MAPR) has delivered nationwide recycling solutions, serving AICC members and large multinational corporations. As a fourth-generation independent broker, processor, and exporter of recovered paper, we manage operations directly at supply points, at our Chicago headquarters, or through our network of strategic partners.

MAPR specializes in creating customized recycling programs that build consistent, revenue-generating waste streams while helping clients achieve sustainability goals. Our Chicago plant and brokerage division, with coast-to-coast reach, connect clients to a vast network of consuming mills and processing partners, ensuring maximum value from recovered paper. Our deep relationships across paper-related industries make it possible to deliver real value to suppliers and customers alike.

More Than Recycling: A Partner in Sustainability

What sets MAPR apart is our mission to help suppliers and customers: “Grow the Worth of Their Waste.” We recognize that every company’s sustainability journey is unique, and we don’t just bid on recyclables—we partner with you to assess your current processes and materials, uncovering new opportunities for improvement. Whether it’s increasing the value of recyclable assets or implementing innovative solutions for greater sustainability, our collaborative approach goes beyond traditional recycling.

Proven Results, Measurable Impact

Our team has helped numerous clients turn waste into valuable resources. For example, we worked with a company to transform its paper waste disposal system into a revenue stream, generating over $120,000 annually by sorting and diverting recyclable materials. Another client—a large printing plant—doubled its recovered-fiber revenue in just six months by eliminating freight and third-party costs and sending materials mill direct. By adjusting pricing structures, our clients benefit directly from market increases in recovered paper value.

Adapting to a Changing Market

At MAPR, we forecast trends and seize opportunities in dynamic paper and plastic markets. In 2023, we saw the value of OCC, Mixed Paper, and DLK grades more than double, while deinking grades and pulp substitutes decreased. As North American demand grows alongside expanded recycling capacity, we help our clients capitalize on market changes to maximize returns.

We know the challenges that come with increased sustainability goals, waste reduction, and global economic shifts. However, these challenges also present significant opportunities for AICC members and others in the industry. MAPR’s adaptability ensures that we navigate changing market dynamics effectively, and we always find new uses for various scrap streams, meeting the evolving demands for different paper grades.

Onshoring and Domestic Opportunities

The movement to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. offers great prospects for North American paper mills and fiber supply. As manufacturers increase production domestically, there is a growing need for paperboard and box manufacturing plants to support the supply chain. MAPR is positioned to help manufacturers and suppliers thrive in this environment by optimizing waste recovery and recycling processes.

Get Started Today

Let us help you “Grow the Worth of Your Waste.” It all begins with a quick waste audit survey, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete at www.midamericapaper.com.