Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Essentially Flat in December 2023

Jan. 19, 2024 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its December 2023 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in December remained essentially flat (+0.4%) compared to December 2022. They were down 1% when compared to the same 12 months of 2022.

• Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers — food wrapping — were 24,100 short tons for the month of December, down 15.8% year-to-date.
• The unbleached packaging papers operating rate was 78.5%, down 5.9 points from December 2022 and also down 5.9 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