Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased 5 Percent in February 2024

March 19, 2024 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its February 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in February increased 5% compared to February 2023. They were essentially flat when compared to the same 2 months of 2023.

The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 90.2%, up 3.7 points from February 2023 and down 1.2 points year-to-date.

Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers — food wrapping — were 24,200 short tons for the month of February, down 1.9% from the same month last year and down 3.0% year-to-date.

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