Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased 1 Percent in November 2023

Dec. 18, 2023 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its November 2023 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in November increased 1% compared to November 2022. They were down 1% when compared to the same 11 months of 2022.

• Shipments of the biggest subgrade in unbleached packaging papers — bag & sack — were 95,200 short tons for the month of November, up 4.8% year-to-date.
• The bleached packaging papers operating rate was 80.4%, down 0.3 points from November 2022 and down 0.5 points 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