The Value Of Cardboard The Past Four Years
OCC prices per ton are on the rise nationwide, making this the perfect time to buy a vertical baler for your business!
The market for corrugated boxes and containers, commonly referred to as OCC (PS 11), has fluctuated greatly in the past four years. In 2017, the average price per ton was nearing record highs not seen in decades. Then, its value fell greatly in 2018-19 due to Chinese restriction of recovered paper imports, new tariffs on exports, as well as a decline in global demand. The lows felt in 2019 were below some of the markets darkest times dating back to 2009.
In 2020, cardboard staged a big comeback. OCC prices posted gains of over 25% per month in the early stages of the year. Since then, and especially in the early parts of 2021, the demand for corrugated containers is back up with the supply chain boom resulting from Covid-19. A lot remains to be seen in the coming months, but the stage seems to be set for cardboard’s comeback. Various market reports have the value of cardboard up over 200% from the end of 2019. Some recycling exchanges list the value of a ton of baled cardboard at or above $130 per ton. You can check the status of the market through many online sources such as Recycler’s World.
What Does This Mean For You?
Maybe your business does not generate the volume of cardboard of larger supermarkets or big-box stores. But, with an increase in market value, even smaller business owners would be foolish not to invest in an recycling baler. Now is the perfect time to start a recycling program for your business!
A vertical recycling baler is the right solution for small to medium sized businesses with limited operational space and intermediate quantities of cardboard to bale. The initial investment comes in employee FTE time to collect and bale boxes. It also comes in the form of recycling equipment needed to bale the cardboard for recycling.
Harmony’s M42BC stockroom baler, like this one installed in Chicago, IL rolls under a normal doorway on caster to its operational location.
Many business owners prefer utilizing a 60″ or mill-sized baler for their operations. These machines, like Harmony’s M60CB cardboard baler create 1000 lb. bales of cardboard.
But, not everyone needs a large mill-sized baler to operate a sustainable OCC recycling program. Smaller balers, like Harmony’s M30HD or M42BC are safe and easy to operate, provide a quick ROI, and take up little space in your facility to operate. Combined with optional leasing programs, these small balers are an affordable way to capture some of the revenue created by the uptick in the cardboard recycling market.
Harmony can help you determine which recycling baler is best for your specific needs and point you in the direction of local recyclers that are willing to pick up and pay for your cardboard bales.
Benefits To Recycling Cardboard
Harmony’s M30HD is the ideal small baler for tight spaces and efficient baling operation.
In addition to creating a new revenue stream for what was once a waste commodity in your business, recycling cardboard has other benefits that need to be considered.
- Recycling cardboard increases safety and cleanliness in the workplace.
- Recycling cardboard reduces the waste footprint produced by your business.
- Recycling cardboard reduces the number of waste hauls required each month, and thus the associated costs.
- Fewer hauls also translates to fewer carbon emissions being emitted into the atmosphere by hauling trucks.
- Businesses can avoid fines being levied by municipalities and commercial districts related to non-baled cardboard in waste areas or sidewalks.
Stay The Course With Harmony!
Harmony’s M60CB, like this one in a small CA hardware store, is the gold standard for businesses needing to achieve a 1000 lb. mill-sized bales of OCC for recycling.
As with any market, volatility can happen at any time. But, as the market trends above indicate, the average price per ton of OCC over the past four years allows for a return on your investment over time.
The baler you choose should also reflect your desire to earn revenue over time. Harmony’s recycling balers are known for their efficiency, longevity, and safety.
Knowing which baler is best for you can be a bit overwhelming. Let our experienced and friendly sales team assist you in making the right choice for maximum efficiency and highest return. With an industry leading warranty and our Proven Process to ensure that you get the right solution, there is little risk for a large reward for your bottom line!
Are you positioned to take advantage of cardboard’s big comeback? Call us at (507) 886-6666, or Contact Us to learn more today!
