New figures released The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has published new data on the U.S. market, indicating a positive trend.
“Total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in April increased 21% compared to April 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same 4 months of 2023,” the industry body said in a statement.
In April 2024, the “operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 94%, up 15.8 points from April 2023 and up 4.2 points year-to-date. Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers – food wrapping – 25,800 short tons for the month of April, down 0.5% from the same month last year and down 2.3% year-to-date,” according to the AF&PA.