Packaging grades’ output rises

Packaging board grade production figures in North America, as measured by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), demonstrated positive momentum in January 2016.

January 2016 output figures distributed by the AF&PA indicate “total boxboard production increased 0.5 percent when compared to January 2015 and increased 2.6 percent from [December 2015],” says the association. Similarly, “The production of recycled boxboard increased compared to January 2015 and increased when compared to [December 2015],” adds the group.

The larger containerboard sector likewise experienced a good start to the year in the United States, according to AF&PA. “Containerboard production was 1 percent higher compared to January 2015 [and] the month-to-month average daily production compared to December 2015 was 5.3 percent higher,” says the organization. The containerboard operating capacity rate for January in the U.S. checked in at 95.2 percent, says the group.

A more thorough report on U.S. paper and board production trends with tables, charts and historical data can be purchased from AF&PA by contacting Caroline Nealon at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-2448.