OCC is the primary raw material for recycled-fiber linerboard and medium. When OCC export demand from overseas mills rises, domestic OCC prices increase, raising production costs for recycled-content paperboard and often pushing buyers toward virgin-fiber alternatives. Monitoring OCC market indices is a standard practice for procurement teams managing paperboard supply costs.

Linerboard is commonly specified by basis weight (in lbs per 1,000 sq ft or g/m²) combined with either Mullen burst strength or edge crush test (ECT) values, depending on whether the end-use box is certified under the Mullen or ECT performance standard. Importers should confirm which standard applies to their customer's packaging requirements before finalizing mill specifications, as substituting one test basis for another can result in non-conforming product.