Gatta Scrap Rate in Pakistan Today | Recycling Guide 2025

Cardboard (Gatta) Scrap Prices in Pakistan

Latest cardboard scrap market rates, recycling insights, and complete guide for buyers and sellers

05 September 2025
Updated Daily
National Average: Rs. 35-45/kg

Overview of Pakistan’s Cardboard Scrap Market

Pakistan’s cardboard (gatta) scrap market is an essential part of the country’s recycling industry. With the growth of e-commerce and packaging industries, cardboard waste has increased significantly, creating opportunities for recycling businesses. The market involves collection, sorting, baling, and processing of cardboard waste which is then supplied to paper mills for recycling into new products.

Current Gatta Scrap Prices (Today)

Corrugated Cardboard

Rs. 40-50/kg

Brown boxes, shipping containers

Mixed Cardboard

Rs. 30-40/kg

Various types with some contamination

OCC (Old Corrugated Containers)

Rs. 45-55/kg

Clean corrugated cardboard only

City-wise Cardboard Scrap Rates

CityCorrugated (Rs./kg)Mixed (Rs./kg)OCC (Rs./kg)
LahoreRs. 42-52Rs. 32-42Rs. 47-57
KarachiRs. 45-55Rs. 35-45Rs. 50-60
FaisalabadRs. 40-50Rs. 30-40Rs. 45-55
RawalpindiRs. 43-53Rs. 33-43Rs. 48-58
MultanRs. 38-48Rs. 28-38Rs. 43-53
HyderabadRs. 40-50Rs. 30-40Rs. 45-55
GujranwalaRs. 41-51Rs. 31-41Rs. 46-56

Lahore

Rs. 42-52/kg

Corrugated Cardboard

Karachi

Rs. 45-55/kg

Corrugated Cardboard

Faisalabad

Rs. 40-50/kg

Corrugated Cardboard

Rawalpindi

Rs. 43-53/kg

Corrugated Cardboard

Multan

Rs. 38-48/kg

Corrugated Cardboard

Hyderabad

Rs. 40-50/kg

Corrugated Cardboard

Gujranwala

Rs. 41-51/kg

Corrugated Cardboard

Types of Cardboard Scrap & Prices

Corrugated Cardboard

Brown shipping boxes with fluted layer between liners. Most common type of cardboard scrap.

Price Range: Rs. 40-50/kg

Mixed Cardboard

Various types of cardboard including some contamination. Lower value but more readily available.

Price Range: Rs. 30-40/kg

OCC (Old Corrugated Containers)

Clean corrugated cardboard only. Highest quality and fetches best prices in the market.

Price Range: Rs. 45-55/kg

Boxboard

Thinner cardboard used for cereal boxes, shoeboxes, and other packaging.

Price Range: Rs. 25-35/kg

Factors Affecting Cardboard Scrap Prices

International Demand

Export opportunities and global cardboard prices significantly impact local scrap rates.

Local Paper Mills

Demand from local paper and packaging industries affects scrap cardboard prices.

Moisture Content

Wet or damp cardboard loses significant value as it weighs more and is harder to process.

Contamination Level

Clean, sorted cardboard with minimal plastic or other contaminants fetches higher prices.

Cardboard Recycling Industry in Pakistan

Pakistan’s cardboard recycling industry has grown significantly with the expansion of e-commerce and retail sectors. Major recycling centers are located in industrial areas of Lahore, Karachi, and Faisalabad. The industry provides employment to thousands of people while contributing to environmental conservation by reducing deforestation and landfill waste. Recycled cardboard is used to produce new packaging materials, paper products, and construction materials.

Benefits of Recycling Cardboard

Environmental Benefits

Reduces deforestation, saves water and energy, and decreases landfill waste.

Economic Benefits

Creates jobs, generates income, and reduces manufacturing costs for paper products.

Energy Conservation

Recycling cardboard uses 25% less energy than producing new cardboard from trees.

Tips for Buyers & Sellers

For Sellers

Flatten boxes to save space, keep cardboard dry, and remove non-paper materials to get better prices.

For Buyers

Check moisture content and contamination levels. Build relationships with reliable suppliers.

Storage Tips

Store cardboard in dry areas to prevent moisture damage. Keep different grades separated.

Where to Sell/Buy

Local scrap markets, recycling centers, and directly to paper mills or packaging companies.

Historical Price Trends (Last 6 Months)

MonthAverage Price (Rs./kg)Market Condition
March 202530-40Stable Demand
April 202532-42E-commerce Growth
May 202535-45Export Demand
June 202533-43Monsoon Impact
July 202534-44Recovery Phase
August 202535-45Festival Season Demand

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do cardboard scrap prices change in Pakistan?
Cardboard scrap prices can change weekly based on demand from paper mills, export opportunities, and seasonal factors. Major changes typically occur when international market trends shift or during festival seasons when packaging demand increases.
What is the best way to get the highest price for my cardboard scrap?
To get the best price, keep your cardboard dry and clean, flatten boxes to save space, remove any non-paper materials (especially plastic and Styrofoam), and separate different grades of cardboard. Selling larger quantities to direct processors rather than intermediaries also typically fetches better prices.
Where are the major cardboard scrap markets in Pakistan?
The major markets are in Lahore’s Badami Bagh area, Karachi’s Shershah area, and industrial zones of Faisalabad and Gujranwala. These markets serve as hubs for collection, sorting, baling, and distribution to paper mills.
How does moisture affect cardboard scrap value?
Moisture significantly reduces cardboard value as wet cardboard weighs more (water is heavy), is harder to process, and can develop mold during storage. Buyers typically discount wet cardboard by 30-50% or may refuse to purchase it altogether.
What are the future prospects of the cardboard recycling industry in Pakistan?
The industry is expected to grow due to increasing e-commerce activities, environmental awareness, and government initiatives. With improved collection systems and processing technology, Pakistan has potential to expand its cardboard recycling operations and even become an exporter of recycled paper products.

Note: Prices are subject to change based on market conditions. Always verify current rates with local dealers.

Last updated: 05 September 2025

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