Keeping PA Office Paper 100% Recycled, 100% Local
Pennsylvania Resources Council’s Recycled Paper Cooperative makes 100% recycled content paper more affordable to its members. Join the circular economy by buying with the Paper Coop today!
“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.
PRC’s Paper Coop features 100% recycled content paper from American Eagle Paper Mills located in Tyrone, Pennsylvania.
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.
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
PRC is proud to partner with American Eagle Paper Mills to bring its Paper Coop members 100% recycled content paper.
