Chicago — Many box plants and carton converters believe they’re getting the most out of their recyclables. They have collection bins in place, someone hauling the materials away, and reports that arrive… eventually. But what if there’s significantly more financial, operational, and environmental value just waiting to be unlocked?

That is the message Mid America Paper Recycling (MAPR) will bring to TAPPI CorrExpo, October 20–22, 2025, in Savannah, Ga (booth 643).

As one of the largest independent brokers, processors, and exporters of recovered paper in the Central United States, Chicago-based MAPR has deep industry roots dating back to 1926. Today, the company helps corrugated converters, packaging plants, and commercial printers uncover hidden revenue, reduce waste, and strengthen sustainability through its proprietary Waste Audit Process.

“Our mission is to help companies think differently about their recycling programs,” said Don Gaines, President of Mid America Paper Recycling. “Many plant operators believe they are recycling efficiently, but our audits consistently reveal missed opportunities. By analyzing waste streams, in-plant processes, safety, and logistics, we help companies increase their revenue per ton and improve compliance, all while contributing to a stronger bottom line.”

Unlike recyclers who simply haul materials away, MAPR professionally manages them. The Waste Audit Process often reveals materials that are under-graded, misclassified, or bypassing mill-direct options that could significantly boost revenue. At one customer location, a shift to mill-direct shipping generated over six figures in added value within 12 months. At another, MAPR helped eliminate years of bale rejections and costly downgrades.

“The difference is in the execution, and that comes down to our people,” Gaines added. “Our teams don’t just manage accounts. They’re in the plants, walking operations, asking questions, and building solutions that work.”

MAPR also helps facilities reduce downtime and handling costs through solutions like its Scan-Order-Go bale wire system, which allows operators to instantly reorder wire right from the floor. Orders are packed and shipped quickly to keep balers running and materials moving without interruption.

Since corrugated and packaging operations can generate tons of pre-consumer scrap and production trim each year, MAPR believes the timing is right to have deeper conversations about waste management strategy.

“Recycling is a discipline. Done right, it adds real margin. Done wrong, it quietly erodes your bottom line. That’s why we’re urging board converters to take a closer look at their programs. Because if you think there’s more value to be found, there most likely is,” Gaines said.

For those interested in completing the free Waste Audit Survey, it takes just 10 minutes online. Visitors can also stop by booth 643 at TAPPI CorrExpo to speak with MAPR representatives and learn how to unlock greater value from their recycling programs.