Waste paper prices in Russia exceeded 20,000 rubles per ton

The value of waste paper in Russia has grown by more than 30% since the beginning of 2025, having surpassed the psychologically important level of 20,000 rubles per ton for the first time. Yury Markov, Director General at Perm Pulp & Paper Company, shared this with Gazeta.Ru.

The key price growth drivers were the newly commissioned containerboard production sites that increased the demand for raw material and the reduction of consumer demand that has not made up for the waste paper shortage.

“The commissioning of large containerboard production venues and the reduction of demand in the consumer market caused the greatest waste paper price growth over the past three years, as it is the key raw material for making containerboard. It accounts for a very significant share in the costs structure of containerboard production. Notably, the seasonal decline of demand for corrugated packaging and containerboards did not have any significant impact on this process. Instead, the higher cost of waste paper will be the key driver for growing containerboards and corrugated packaging prices. This, in turn, will drive up the prices of packaged goods at Russian stores. The cost of packaged products for Russian citizens will increase by 0.08–0.7% depending on the type,” Yury Markov noted.