The recycled cardboard (old corrugated containers, or OCC) market has continued to recover through 2026 after the weaker conditions experienced in 2023 and 2024. Prices have generally stabilized and increased modestly as demand from paper mills has improved and export markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and India, have remained active. Supply is relatively balanced, with steady volumes from commercial sources, although residential collections continue to fluctuate. Demand is being supported by growth in e-commerce, corporate sustainability initiatives, and increased investment in recycled fiber packaging. At the same time, the market still faces challenges such as slower manufacturing activity, competitive virgin fiber prices, transportation costs, and stricter quality standards for recovered cardboard. Overall, industry analysts expect the OCC market to remain stable with modest price growth over the remainder of 2026, driven by continued demand for recycled packaging materials and the ongoing shift toward more sustainable packaging solutions.
