AF&PA Details U.S. Paper Production and Capacity Trends

The industry utilized its assets more effectively with total paper and paperboard operating rate reaching 87.5% in 2024, a nearly four percentage point increase from 2023.

U.S. paper and paperboard production increased 3.2% last year, with increases in all categories, led by strong growth in containerboard. U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined by 2.0% in 2024, to 78.1 million tons. By comparison, the average annual rate of decline since 2015 was 0.9%.

The industry continues to invest in new machines and machine conversions, particularly in the packaging and tissue sectors. Four machines came online in 2023 producing containerboard, one boxboard machine came online this month, and another will start up later this year.

Containerboard capacity declined 0.9% in 2024. Despite three consecutive declines in 2022 through 2024, containerboard capacity continues to account for more than 50% of total U.S. capacity to produce paper and paperboard.

Packaging paper capacity increased 4.6% on the heels of a strong 4.8% growth rate in 2023. For the second year, all the growth came in unbleached packaging papers while bleached packaging papers has now declined for six consecutive years.
more at: https://www.afandpa.org/news/2025/afpa-details-us-paper-production-and-capacity-trends

Related Posts

Drytac expands availability of Polar Smooth 150 Air to customers around the world

Drytac, the leading international manufacturer of self-adhesive materials for the large-format print and signage markets, is delighted to announce the global availability of Polar Smooth 150 Air. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use on most surfaces including painted walls, melamine, glass and many other flat or simple curve surfaces, Polar Smooth 150 Air is the ideal solution for applications spanning interior décor, wall and window graphics, decals and stickers, point of sale, and construction hoardings and barriers. At 6 mil (150µ) thick, Polar Smooth 150 Air ensures an easier installation compared to thinner alternatives. This thickness provides added convenience, particularly for users looking to avoid lamination or seeking a simpler installation process. The film is available in both permanent and removable options.

Resolute Reports Preliminary First Quarter 2021 Results

• Q1 GAAP net income of $87 million / $1.06 per diluted share • Adjusted EBITDA of $221 million • Net debt at $449 million / liquidity at $653 million at quarter-end • Repurchased 1.7 million shares in Q1 (2%) / 8.7 million in last twelve months (10%) • Recent U.S. pension relief measures to improve free cash flow by approx. $30 million/year • Target to reduce GHG emissions by 30% against 2015 levels by 2025

Neenah Completes Successful Debt Refinancing

Neenah, Inc. announced that the Company has entered into a Term Loan Credit Agreement, providing a Term Loan B Facility of seven years in the amount of $200 million. The Facility is rated BBB-by S&P Global Ratings and Ba3 by Moody's Investors Service. Neenah also announced today that it is calling its outstanding 2021 notes for redemption in full on July 16, 2020. Proceeds under the new Facility will be used to redeem the $175 million of outstanding 5.25% 2021 notes, repay borrowings under the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility, and for general corporate purposes. The Company also has amended its Global Asset Based Lending Agreement to reduce the revolving credit facility from $225 million to $175 million and make certain other changes related to the refinancing and resizing. The interest rate under the new Facility will be determined based on LIBOR or other published rates, with an expected initial rate of approximately 5.00%. The Term Loan Credit Agreement contains no financial maintenance covenants and includes other customary covenants for agreements of this nature. The Facility may be prepaid with a one percent call premium for the first 12 months, after which it may be prepaid, in whole or in part, without premium or penalty.
Back To Top
×Close search
Search