Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Decreased 4 Percent in January 2024

Feb. 19, 2024 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its January 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in January decreased 4% compared to January 2023.

• The operating rate for bleached packaging papers was 86.0%, up 11.3 points from January 2023.
• Shipments of the biggest subgrade in unbleached packaging papers — bag & sack — were 92,900 short tons for the month of January, down 1.1% from the same month last year.

About AF&PA

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future.

The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states.

SOURCE: AF&PA