Publication outlines who we are, what we do, why it matters and where we’re going
(February 6, 2024 - Washington, D.C.) – ISRI, "Voice of the Recycled Materials Industry™, today released its 2023 ISRI Recycled Materials Industry Yearbook providing the most current information, analysis and statistics about the U.S. recycled materials industry and global marketplace. The Yearbook is a reference document featuring an array of comprehensive industry data that serves as a baseline on new global market realities.
“Recycled materials make up the everyday items and essential infrastructure all around us," said ISRI President Robin Wiener. “The Yearbook tells that story, while providing critical analysis and a wealth of comprehensive industry data. We are excited to provide this definitive resource that outlines recycled materials’ critical role in manufacturing, infrastructure investment, and supporting a sustainable society.”
Highlights from the 2023Yearbookinclude:
- The recycled materials industry is a major contributor to the U.S economy, generating nearly $117 billion in economic activity while directly and indirectly supporting more than 500,000 jobs.
- The recycled materials industry is a proven solution to the climate crisis by reducing emissions.Compared to the cost of mining, drilling, harvesting, or other methods of extracting primary natural resources for manufacturing, the use of recycled materials produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions and significantly reduces energy consumption.
- America’s infrastructure relies on recycled materials.The U.S. recycled materials industry is essential in meeting the infrastructure and sustainability goals mandated by the historic $1.3 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other stimulus measures.
- Recycled materials make the supply chain stronger. In 2022, the U.S. recycled materials industry processed 137 million metric tons of recycled materials, including nearly 70 million tons of recycled iron and steel, 45 million tons of recovered paper and fiber, 9 million tons of nonferrous metals, and more than 5 million tons of recycled and reused electronics.
- More than 70% of the steel manufactured in the U.S. is “greensteel,” made from recycled material.In 2022, U.S. steel mills consumed approximately 56.6 million metric tons of recycled iron and steel in order to produce 82 million metric tons of steel.
- An estimated49.1 million tons(44.5 million metric tons) ofpaperand paperboard were recycled in the U.S. in 2022, with an overall recycling rate of 67.9%; making paper the second most recycled material.
- The Yearbook also provides the latest available information on major recycled material markets including nonferrous metals (such as copper, aluminum, nickel, lead, and zinc); plastics, electronics, tires and rubber, glass and textiles.
- The publication focuses on the increasingly important role ofISRI Specificationsin promoting recycling and use of recycled materials in the U.S. and around the world.
- Key industry trendsare covered, including the impacts of the COVID pandemic, ESG reporting, electrification and decarbonization, transportation and trade impediments, and much more.
- The publication alsoprovides historical information on production, recovery and consumption, recycled materials industry trade flows, and price indexes.
To learn more about the Yearbook and the recycled materials industry, visit www.isri.org.
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For more information and interviews contact: Vicki Morgan, (202) 975-9042 vmorgan@isri.org
ISRI is the "Voice of the Recycled Materials Industry™," representing more than 1,600 companies in the U.S. and 40 countries around the globe. Based in Washington, D.C., ISRI provides advocacy, education, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycled materials play in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development.