The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the September 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in September increased 6% compared to September 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same 9 months of 2023.

The operating rate for bleached packaging papers was 77.6%, up 5.2 points from September 2023 and up 7.4 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