U.S. total packaging papers shipments in March 2018 decreased 6.6 per cent compared to March 2017 and down 6.5% year-to-date, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
Bag & sack shipments were down 8.3% year-to-date. Multiwall shipments were down 12.6%. Converting shipments were down 2.8% and food wrapping shipments remained essentially flat. The operating rate for March decreased to 87.4% from 88.5% in February. Inventories were up 1.4% since February.
The American Forest & Paper Association serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy.
