Total U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Shipments Increased 9% in October 2025

Nov. 20, 2025 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the October 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in October increased 9% compared to October 2024. They were up 1% when compared to the same 10 months of 2024.

The bleached operating rate increased to 80.8%, reaching its highest level over the last few years; capacity was down 8% compared to last October.

Unbleached bag & sack shipments were up 8% from last October, but down 2.3% year to date.

Total inventories were nearly 12% from the same month last year.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

About AF&PA

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day.

The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry's decades-long initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030.

SOURCE: AF&PA