“Buy Recycled” is a social movement that began in the 1980s and was a critical piece in widespread recycling efforts and growth throughout the 80’s and 90’s.

Over the past several decades, we have seen a disconnect between the reason for recycling: to re-manufacture materials into new items, keeping them out of the landfills and in productive use.

Low quality of material and “wish-cycling” has resulted in much of what we collect today for recycling being disposed of or downcycled. This project will realign recycling operations with mission by connecting the key parts of the supply chain to demonstrate that paper can be collected locally, sent to a local mill and sold back to the same businesses as 100% recycled content office paper, maximizing not only the environmental impact but also the local economic and job training opportunities.

What is a Recycled Paper Cooperative?

PRC’s Paper Coop makes 100% recycled paper more affordable by purchasing large volumes of office paper directly from a paper mill and distributing it to coop members.

Generally, office supply companies and paper distributors provide bulk purchase discounts to businesses buying large volumes of paper in a single transaction. PRC’s cooperative model allows small to medium size businesses who may not meet the required volume threshold to obtain more affordable prices for their paper, making it more attainable to “buy recycled.”

What type of paper can be purchased through PRC’s Paper Coop?

Currently, the Paper Coop is offering 100% recycled content 8.5″ x11” white letter paper (20lb basis weight and 92 brightness).  Legal size paper (8.5″x14″) and ledger size paper (11″x17″) can be special ordered. Please contact the Paper Coop directly at [email protected] for more information on these sizes. The specs on 100% recycled content paper offered through the Paper Coop are provided below.

This paper is also:

• Made in the USA
• FSC® Certified
• SFI® Certified Sourcing
• Process and Elemental Chlorine Free
• Acid Free for Archival Performance

Where is the Paper Coop paper produced?

PRC’s Paper Coop features 100% recycled content paper from American Eagle Paper Mills located in Tyrone, Pennsylvania.

Is delivery of my paper order available?

Delivery options are available for orders of one pallet (40 cases) or more. Please contact us at [email protected] for pricing and delivery information.

Might the 100% recycled content paper jam my printer?

No. This office paper works on all office equipment and high-speed copy applications.

How does the quality of 100% recycled content paper compare with the virgin paper or 30% recycled content paper I usually purchase?

Over the past several decades, enhanced technology has allowed 100% recycled content paper to meet the same quality standards of virgin office paper and other recycled content paper. As stated above, American Eagle Paper Mill produces 100% recycled content paper that meets all standards with office equipment and high-speed applications.

Is on-demand purchasing available?

Yes! In partnership with Construction Junction, reams and cases are now available for purchase in-store at Construction Junction in Pittsburgh’s East End (214 N Lexington St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208) while supplies last.

*In partnership with Construction Junction, 100% recycled content paper is available for purchase by the ream ($9 per ream) in-store at Construction Junction on Pittsburgh’s East End (214 N Lexington St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208) while supplies last.

Must I order a minimum amount of paper for delivery?

A minimum of one pallet (40 cases) must be ordered for delivery. The pallet can be paper of one size, or a mix of letter sized paper, legal size paper (8.5″x14″), and ledger size paper (11″x17″).

How much can I save by joining the Paper Coop?

Purchasing paper through PRC’s Paper Coop can save you $10 or more per carton, compared to market prices of 100% recycled content paper as of 2021. PRC’s Paper Coop price for 100% recycled content paper is more affordable than what is currently offered in the market for 100% recycled content and comparable to the market price of 30% recycled content paper. Large-scale office supply distributors often sell cartons of paper in sets of 3-reams, 5-reams, or 8-reams, so keep that in mind when comparing your current distributor’s price to the Paper Coop’s 10-ream carton price!

As more members join the Paper Coop and orders increase, prices may decrease in the future! Please help us spread the word about this new resource and encourage other businesses, organizations and institutes to purchase with the Paper Coop!

PRC is proud to partner with American Eagle Paper Mills to bring its Paper Coop members 100% recycled content paper.

Third Party Certifications

American Eagle Paper Mills works with the following third party independent auditing organizations: Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Rainforest Alliance, Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and U.S. EPA’s SmartWay transport program. Learn more about these certifications here.

History of American Eagle Paper Mills

American Eagle Paper Mills is considered to be the heartbeat of Tyrone, Pennsylvania and the surrounding community in PA’s eastern Allegheny Mountains.

Built in the 1880s under the former owner, MeadWestvaco, the mill operated continuously until 2001 when the owners abruptly ceased operations. The town and the families affected by job loss were devastated. In 2003, a group of local investors, including former mill managers, revived the paper mill under its current name of American Eagle Paper Mills. The mill now employs 240 people and produces 300 tons of recycled paper products daily.

American Eagle Paper Mills’ core operation is bolstered through sustainable practices by converting recycled paper waste into high quality printing and writing paper. In 2016, the mill strengthened its commitment to sustainability by replacing its coal fired boiler with an $8 million highly efficient natural gas boiler and upgraded power distribution system. With this upgrade, the mill reduced its water intake by 82%! American Eagle Paper Mills continues to position its operations for future sustainable growth and improvements.

Read more about its story here.