Containerboard, boxboard production down in 2025

The Washington-based American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released its fourth-quarter 2025 containerboard and boxboard reports Jan. 30, revealing decreases in containerboard and boxboard production last year compared with 2024.

According to the report, total containerboard production in 2025 decreased 4 percent compared with 2024, while the containerboard operating rate was flat, ending the year above 91 percent.

The AF&PA also reports that mill inventories dropped significantly in October but increased the rest of the fourth quarter, finishing the year at their highest level since 2022. The association notes that, historically, December inventories tend to be higher than any other month.

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Additionally, recycled linerboard production was relatively consistent last year, finishing 2025 down 2 percent. Linerboard production for export declined throughout the year, while corrugated medium production for export was up 3 percent in 2025.

Meanwhile, total boxboard production decreased 2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and was down 1 percent for the year. The boxboard operating rate finished the year at 85.6 percent, down 2.3 percent from the same period last year.

Unbleached kraft and coated recycled boxboard production were essentially flat in the fourth quarter but down 4 percent for the year, while all unmade orders for solid bleached boxboard, unbleached kraft and coated and uncoated recycled boxboard increased in December 2025 compared with December 2024.