Paper Capacity, Production Decline; Slight Growth Predicted in ’24

Recycling Today (06/01/24)

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) recently released its 64th annual "Paper Industry Capacity and Fiber Consumption Survey," which reveals a decline in overall paper and paperboard capacity in the United States for the sixth year in a row. Paper and paperboard production also shrunk for the second consecutive year. In 2023, U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined by 1.6 percent—the largest dip since 2020. AF&PA researchers note that paper and paperboard capacities have decreased annually since 2018. Paper and paperboard production, however, saw the most noticeable decline in 2023, falling 7.2 percent. Declines were measured in all categories except tissue.

Read more on Recycling Today.