Press Release

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 1% in July compared to July 2021. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 3% in July compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 2% when compared to June 2022.

AF&PA has promoted Andrew Topps as the next Vice President General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Topps joined AF&PA in 2010, and has been a key member on AF&PA’s legal team

Total Containerboard production in Q2 increased 2% compared to Q2 2021. It was also up 2% when compared to the same 6 months of 2021.

Total Boxboard production in Q2 increased 1% compared to Q2 2021. It was up 2% when compared to the same 6 months of 2021. The boxboard operating rate was 95.3%, down 1.2 points from Q2 and essentially flat (+0.3 pts.) year-to-date

The EPA issued the final rule for Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology. While AF&PA appreciates the final rule allowing mills to avoid costly retrofits to many existing boilers, we are disappointed by the agency’s treatment of boilers operating in the last decade as "new."

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in June decreased 4% compared to June 2021. They were essentially flat (+0.0%) when compared to the same 6 months of 2021.

Total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 2% in June compared to June 2021. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 3% in June compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 2% when compared to May 2022.

Total printing-writing paper shipments increased two percent in May compared to May 2021. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased three percent in May compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased one percent when compared to April…

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in May increased 1 percent compared to May 2021. They were up 1 percent when compared to the same 5 months of 2021.

AF&PA is disappointed by the enactment of Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program for Recycling. Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed HB22-1355 into law, creating an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program that includes paper and paper-based packaging products.

Total printing-writing paper shipments remained essentially flat (+0.3 percent) in April compared to April 2021. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased two percent in April compared to the same month last year.

AF&PA announced 68% of all paper consumed in the United States was recycled in 2021 – a rate on par with the highest rate previously achieved. Additionally, the recycling rate for old corrugated containers (OCC) – commonly known as cardboard – increased.