A 2019 New York Times article "The Great American Cardboard Comeback" by Michael Corkery with photography from Whitten Sabbatini documents the resurgence of the cardboard industry in the United States. After years of decline, the industry is now experiencing a boom, thanks to a number of factors, including the growth of e-commerce, the increasing popularity of recycled materials, and the rising demand for sustainable packaging.

The article profiles several companies that are leading the way in the cardboard comeback. These companies include Graphic Packaging International, Midwest Paper Group, WestRock, The Paper Discovery Center (now Atlas Science Group) and International Paper. These companies are investing heavily in new technology and capacity, and they are working to develop new and innovative products. MPG purchased the shuttered Combined Locks facility, rehiring all the previously redundant workers.

The article concludes by noting that the cardboard comeback is a sign of the changing times. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they are demanding more sustainable packaging. The cardboard industry is well-positioned to meet this demand, and it is poised for continued growth in the years to come.

Local take from Appleton Post-Crescent