Monthly packaging papers shipments down in November

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), Washington, has released its November packaging papers monthly report, revealing that total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in November decreased 10 percent compared with October.

Despite the monthly decrease, total shipments were up 1 percent compared with November 2024 and up 1 percent compared with the same 11 months of last year. It’s the second consecutive increase, as total shipments also were up in October compared with the same 10 months of 2024 and were essentially flat in September.

The report also reveals total inventories were up 6.2 percent this November compared with last November, the third straight month of increased inventory levels. In October, inventories were up nearly 12 percent compared with October 2024 and in September, inventories were up nearly 6 percent compared with September 2024.

Elsewhere in the report, according to the AF&PA, the unbleached operating rate decreased to 79 percent, its second lowest level for the year behind the 76.9 percent operating rate in May, while capacity is down 1.6 percent year to date.

In October, the bleached operating rate had reached nearly 81 percent, which the AF&PA says is among the highest levels over the last few years along with September, when the bleached operating rate topped 88 percent.

Finally, bleached food wrapping shipments were down 2.2 percent this November compared with last November but were up 7.4 percent year to date.