The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the December 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in December increased 13% compared to December 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same 12 months of 2023.

The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 87.5%, up 12.5 points from December 2023 and up 6.4 points year-to-date.

Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers — food wrapping — were 23.6 thousand short tons for the month of December, down 0.6% from the same month last year and down 0.5% 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