The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its October 2023 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in October increased 3% compared to October 2022. They were down 2% when compared to the same 10 months of 2022.

-- Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers — food wrapping — were 25,900 short tons for the month of October, down 16.9% year-to-date.
-- The unbleached packaging papers operating rate was 88.9%, up 8.4 points from October 2022 but down 6.5 points year-to-date.

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 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