OCC — Old Corrugated Containers — is the world's most traded waste paper grade and the backbone of the global paper recycling industry. This guide covers everything: grades, specifications, moisture limits, pricing, and how to source OCC from the UAE.
OCC stands for Old Corrugated Containers — the used cardboard boxes generated after goods are unpacked in warehouses, retail stores, factories, and distribution centres. When these boxes are collected, baled, and sold to paper mills, they become OCC waste paper.
OCC is the single most recycled material on the planet. It is the primary raw material for manufacturing new corrugated cardboard, kraft liner board, and test liner — the packaging material that wraps almost every product that moves through global supply chains.
Why OCC matters: Every tonne of OCC recycled saves approximately 17 trees, 7,000 litres of water, and 4,100 kilowatts of electricity compared to producing virgin fibre paper. For Indian paper mills, OCC from UAE and GCC offers consistent quality, short shipping lead times, and competitive pricing.
Not all OCC is equal. The industry uses specific grade codes to define quality. Accel Venture Trading LLC supplies four OCC grades from Dubai:
Standard ISRI grade. Most commonly traded. Corrugated containers with kraft or test liner. Moisture <12%.
Higher quality corrugated. Cleaner bales, lower contamination. Preferred by top-tier Indian mills.
Lower grade corrugated. Cost-effective option for mills with flexible quality tolerances.
Specialty dark-coloured OCC. Specific industrial applications. Limited availability.
When purchasing OCC, paper mills specify requirements around moisture, contamination, and bale size. Here are the standard specifications for OCC 11 exported from UAE:
| Parameter | Standard Requirement | AVT LLC Supply |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | OCC 11 (ISRI Standard) | OCC 11 / Premium OCC |
| Moisture Content | Below 12% | Verified at loading |
| Contamination | Less than 1% | <0.5% average |
| Bale Weight | 750 kg – 1,000 kg per bale | 0.75–1 MT / bale |
| Bales per Container | 27–50 bales per 40ft HC | As per loading conditions |
| Container Type | 40ft High Cube (HC) only | 40ft HC standard |
| Container Load | 25–27 MT per 40ft HC FCL | Min 1 FCL (40ft HC) |
| Origin | UAE / GCC | Dubai, UAE |
| Documentation | BL, COO, Packing List | Full set included |
India is the world's largest importer of waste paper — and UAE is one of its most important supply sources. Here's why Indian mills prefer sourcing OCC from the UAE and GCC:
OCC prices fluctuate based on global demand, shipping rates, and seasonal availability. Rather than publishing fixed prices — which change weekly — Accel Venture Trading LLC provides live pricing to buyers directly.
Pricing is quoted per metric tonne (MT), CIF Indian port. Minimum order is one 40ft HC FCL. Contact us via WhatsApp or email for a current price quote — we respond within 24 hours.
The process for purchasing OCC from Accel Venture Trading LLC is straightforward:
What does OCC stand for in waste paper?
OCC stands for Old Corrugated Containers — used corrugated cardboard boxes collected from commercial and industrial operations after goods have been unpacked.
What is OCC 11 grade?
OCC 11 is the standard ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries) grade for corrugated containers. It consists of corrugated containers with liners of test liner, jute, or kraft. Moisture must be under 12% and the material must be free from wax, plastic, and non-paper contaminants.
What container size is used for OCC waste paper?
OCC waste paper is loaded exclusively in 40ft High Cube (HC) containers — never 20ft. A standard 40ft HC holds 27–50 bales per container, with each bale weighing 0.75–1 MT (750–1,000 kg), depending on compression and loading conditions.
What is the moisture limit for OCC?
Standard OCC moisture must be below 12%. Higher moisture increases weight without adding fibre value and can damage bales in transit. AVT LLC verifies moisture at loading for every shipment.
Can I get OCC from UAE to India?
Yes. Accel Venture Trading LLC exports OCC from Dubai, UAE to 100+ Indian paper mills monthly. Shipping time is 5–10 days to major Indian ports. We dispatch 280+ containers per month.
Accel Venture Trading LLC ships 280+ containers monthly to 100+ Indian paper mills.
Get a live price quote within 24 hours.