AF&PA Releases 62nd Paper Industry Capacity and Fiber Consumption Survey

Containerboard capacity continued to expand for the 11th consecutive year and reached a record high of 42.3 million tons.

May 20, 2022 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the 62nd Paper Industry Capacity and Fiber Consumption Survey, indicating overall U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined, 0.4% in 2021, compared to the average decline of 1.0% per year since 2012.

Key findings include:

• Containerboard capacity continued to expand for the 11th consecutive year and reached a record high of 42.3 million tons. Most notably, containerboard capacity expanded at its fastest rate in 25 years. As a result of these increases and decreases in other grades, containerboard share of total paper and paperboard capacity exceeded 50% for the first time in 2021.
• Recovered paper consumption at U.S. paper and paperboard mills increased 3.9% in 2021, the highest level of recovered paper consumption by U.S. mills since 2008. This is also the highest share of total fiber consumption at U.S. mills ever, and the 9th consecutive year of increases in the share from 36.0% in 2012 to 41.6% in 2021.
• Boxboard capacity increased 0.6% in 2021, following a 2.5% decline last year and outperforming its long-term trend of a 0.4% decline.
• Tissue paper capacity remained the same.
• The U.S. paper and paperboard industry has responded to shifting demands by repurposing 9 machines to produce packaging grades.

Survey responses indicate total paper and paperboard capacity will remain flat in 2022, with increases in boxboard and newsprint, stability in containerboard and tissue, and declines in printing-writing.

The Survey details U.S. industry capacity data for 2021 and 2022 for all major grades of paper, paperboard and pulp, as well as fiber consumption, based on a comprehensive survey of all U.S. pulp and paper mills. Data includes responses from companies representing more than 88% of U.S. paper and paperboard industry capacity, with estimates completing the data set.

The complete Survey is available for purchase. Please visit our website afandpa.org/statmill or contact Kory Bockman at statistics_publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716 for this report or other industry reports.

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 in nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recyclable 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 four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $60 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at www.afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.

SOURCE: American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)