Press Release

AF&PA Releases November 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

Astolt — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:44:48 +0000

AF&PA Releases November 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

Astolt Thu, 12/19/2024 - 10:44

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the November 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments decreased 6% in November compared to November 2023. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 2% in October compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels increased 1% when compared to October 2024.

November yeartodate (YTD) total U.S. shipments grew 2% compared to the same period last year. UFS and CFS shipments increased by 0.1% and 7% YTD, respectively. MECH shipments however, decreased 2% YTD.

A subscription to the complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

AF&PA Urges New York Governor Hochul to Veto TREES Act

SManger — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:11:43 +0000

AF&PA Urges New York Governor Hochul to Veto TREES Act

SManger Thu, 12/19/2024 - 09:11

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock released the following statement in response to New York’s Tropical Rainforest Economic & Environmental Sustainability (TREES) Act (AB 9711):

"AF&PA asks Governor Hochul to once again veto New York’s TREES Act which continues to ignore the fact that the U.S. paper and wood products industry champions sustainable forestry and does not contribute to deforestation.

"Governor Hochul vetoed similar legislation last year, finding that the ‘bill's extensive certification requirements would also impose significant burdens on businesses – particularly small businesses – that want to do business with the State.’

"The proposal would have significant effects for our industry’s circular supply chain and continues to raise serious definitional concerns and questions on the trade restrictive approach to forest management. Many of the same concerns that led the European Union to recently delay the onerous European Union Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR) are also present in this legislation, including issues surrounding certification, traceability, and forest classification requirements.

"We urge Governor Kathy Hochul to veto New York’s TREES Act as it will severely harm the forest products industry which employs more than 26,000 New Yorkers.”

Press Release

Marketplace Sustainability

Sustainable Forestry

AF&PA Releases November 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

Astolt — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:43:11 +0000

AF&PA Releases November 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

Astolt Tue, 12/17/2024 - 16:43

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the November 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report. 

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in November increased 9% compared to November 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same 11 months of 2023.

The operating rate for bleached packaging papers was 75.9%, up 4.8 points from November 2023 and up 6.7 points year-to-date.
Shipments of the biggest subgrade in unbleached packaging papers – bag & sack – were 97,200 short tons for the month of November, up 2.6% from the same month last year and up 16.6% year-to-date.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

Press Release

Statistics

Packaging

AF&PA Releases October 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

Astolt — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:20:17 +0000

AF&PA Releases October 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly Report

Astolt Wed, 11/20/2024 - 13:20

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the October 2024 Printing-Writing Monthly report.

According to the report, total printing-writing paper shipments increased 3% in October compared to October 2023. U.S. purchases of total printing-writing papers increased 11% in September compared to the same month last year. Total printing-writing paper inventory levels decreased 3% when compared to September 2024.

October year to date (YTD) total U.S. shipments experienced growth of 2% compared to the same period last year. UFS and CFS shipments increased by 1% and 7% YTD, respectively. MECH shipments however, decreased 0.4% YTD.

A subscription to the complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

Press Release

Statistics

Paper

AF&PA Releases October 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

CCozort — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:59:17 +0000

AF&PA Releases October 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

CCozort Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:59

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the October 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in October increased 10% compared to October 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same 10 months of 2023.

The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 85.3%, up 2.9 points from October 2023 and up 5.8 points year-to-date.
Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers – food wrapping – were 24,300 short tons for the month of October, down 4.7% from the same month last year and down 0.5% year-to-date.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

Call for Applications to U.S. Blue Sky Awards

JTiralla — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 22:21:48 +0000

Call for Applications to U.S. Blue Sky Awards

JTiralla Mon, 11/18/2024 - 17:21

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) is now accepting applications for the U.S. segment of the Blue Sky Awards.

The Blue Sky Awards recognize students, young researchers and young professionals who are passionate about clean manufacturing, sustainable forestry and forest products, and the forest bioeconomy.

The 2024-2025 theme is: Time for the forest-based sector to showcase its innovative solutions for forest products, wood bioindustry and forest conservation, management, and restoration.

“The Blue Sky Awards is a fantastic opportunity to spark innovations that will help further sustainability and circular economy advancement in our industry,” said Heidi Brock, ICFPA President and President and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association. “I continue to be impressed by the projects we see from the Blue Sky Award applicants. I am excited to see how the next generation of our industry is working to solve challenges and expand opportunities.”

The international award program, in its 5th edition, now offers 2 categories:

The Blue Sky Young Researchers Innovation Award competition is open to students and researchers who are:
- 30 years or younger on September 19, 2024
- Carrying out research and innovation projects relevant to forestry and the forest products industry
- Have links to academia, public or private research centers, and/or corporate research and innovation departments

The Blue Sky PRO Young Professionals Innovation Award competition is open to researchers and professionals who are:
- 35 years or younger on September 19, 2024
- Carrying out research and innovation projects relevant to forestry and the forest products industry
- Have links to private research centers and/or corporate research and innovation departments

A panel of judges, including representatives from industry, research and academia, will select up to 2 finalists for the U.S. competition. Applicants will be judged on their research and development, and potential impact across the forest-sector value chain.

Up to 2 U.S. candidates will be nominated to the international Blue Sky Award competition, which is sponsored by the International Council of Forest & Paper Associations (ICFPA). The ICFPA represents 18 pulp, paper, wood and fiber-based associations that encompass 28 countries.

The top 3 international finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their projects at the ICFPA CEO Roundtable in May 2025 in New York City.

The top international finalist will receive $1,500.
The second and third place international finalists will receive $750 and $500, respectively.
Travel and accommodation expenses for the 3 international finalists will be covered to present at the ICFPA CEO Roundtable.

The deadline for submissions for the U.S. Blue Sky Awards is December 9, 2024. Applications must include a short CV, summary of the project and a letter of support.

Blue Sky Award program details, full application criteria and online application form are available at afandpa.org/BlueSky.

Press Release

Sustainability

Paper Industry Announces 2023 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates Using Updated Methodology

SManger — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:39:49 +0000

Paper Industry Announces 2023 U.S. Paper Recycling Rates Using Updated Methodology

SManger Wed, 11/13/2024 - 09:39

Paper recycling rate (65-69%) and cardboard recycling rate (71-76%) remain high

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today announced that 65-69% of paper available for recovery in the United States was recycled in 2023.

The 2023 paper recycling rate is the first using AF&PA's updated methodology, which utilizes extensive industry data, subject matter expertise and detailed U.S. trade data to account for the continued shift of the U.S. balance of trade towards imports.

The 2023 calculations show that paper remains one of the most highly recycled materials in America, with the industry recycling nearly 60% more paper today than it did in 1990 when initial recycling rate goals were established.

“No matter how you measure it, paper recycling is an environmental success story,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock.

“We are a fact-based, data-driven organization, and our updated recycling rate methodology represents the most thorough recycling rate possible using all currently available data.

"This updated methodology, which calculates the amount of paper recycled as a share of the amount of all paper for recovery, reflects our commitment to utilize the best data available to support industry investments and guide our efforts to recover and recycle more paper and paper packaging products."

Cardboard Recycling Rate

In 2023, the recycling rate for cardboard was 71-76%. The rate incorporates all primary collection channels – including industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential – combined with a more extensive analysis of U.S. trade data.

Updated Methodology

To reflect continuously evolving global economic, supply chain, and trade flows, AF&PA updated its recycling rate methodology for estimating product packaging imports/exports as part of the cardboard recycling rate calculations, resulting in the most thorough and fact-based recycling rate possible with currently available data.

The new recycling rate is calculated as the amount of paper recycled as a share of the amount of paper available for recovery. Through the updated methodology, AF&PA has:

Improved estimates of net imported product packaging using more detailed trade data and better estimates of packaging dimensions based on industry data and expertise.
Deducted an estimate of materials in recovered paper bales that are not used in manufacturing (e.g., paper not suitable for use in the specific grade; non-paper materials; net moisture).
In the cardboard recycling rate calculation, made adjustments for cardboard and other paper-based consumer packaging in different commodity bales.
Provided our rates as a range to acknowledge aspects of the calculations are based on estimates.
As a process step, enlisted an independent, third-party reviewer to examine its methodology and findings to ensure their rigor and validity.

Paper Industry Investment

Since 2019, our industry has announced or is expected to complete projects by 2025 that will use more than 9 million tons of recycled paper. These projects include building new mills, converting or expanding existing mills, and updating machinery and equipment.

"This updated methodology will direct our industry’s efforts to capture even more paper for use in manufacturing new products," said Brock.

"We look forward to working with key decisionmakers and stakeholders to develop policies that support this goal and improve education about recycling best practices to increase consumer participation."

View more information about U.S. paper recycling and the paper recycling rate.

AF&PA Announces 2024 Award-Winning Sustainability Projects

Astolt — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 16:14:39 +0000

AF&PA Announces 2024 Award-Winning Sustainability Projects

Astolt Fri, 11/08/2024 - 11:14

6 Member Companies Recognized for Outstanding Initiatives in Sustainability, Innovation and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today announced its Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 Sustainability Award winners. The awards recognize exemplary sustainability programs and initiatives in the paper and wood products manufacturing.

“Sustainability is foundational for our members and our awards program reflect that,” said AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock. “These award-winning projects demonstrate sustainability leadership and innovation in action. We are proud to recognize real-world examples of how our forest and paper industry sustainability goals come to life.”

AF&PA CONGRATULATES THE FOLLOWING WINNERS:

Leadership in Sustainability – Circular Value Chain

Clearwater Paper: Optimizing SBS paperboard to better support a Circular Economy

Leadership in Sustainability – Water Management

Domtar: Making a Splash with Water Conservation

Leadership in Sustainability – Greenhouse Gas Reductions

Green Bay Packaging: Greenhouse Gas Reduction - Green Bay Mill Project

Leadership in Sustainability – Resilient U.S. Forests

International Paper:  International Paper and The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Forestland Stewards Partnership  

Innovation in Sustainability 

Sonoco: EnviroFlex Paper ULT 2.0

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

DS Smith: DS Smith Packaging Lebanon Indiana Interpreters Program

Visit afandpa.org/priorities/sustainability/sustainability-awards for videos of these award-winning projects.    

“I commend this year’s winners for their creativity in implementing new strategies that will make our paper industry stronger,” said Howard Coker, AF&PA Board Chair and President and CEO of Sonoco Products Company. “These awards truly embody our Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 goals – both the progress we have made to date and what we are striving to achieve in the future.”

Better Practices, Better Planet is one of the longest standing sustainability initiatives for a U.S. manufacturing industry. Since 1998, it was required that AF&PA members commit to environment, health and safety (EHS) principles. In 2011, AF&PA launched Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 sustainability goals. Having met or achieved most of the goals for 2020, AF&PA is now in its second generation of sustainability goals: Better Practices, Better Planet 2030.

The sustainability award winners demonstrate the industry’s long-held commitment to improving practices that advance sustainable products for a sustainable future. The 2024 Sustainability Award winners were selected by a diverse judging panel of sustainability experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, GreenBlue, Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology, Clemson University, Resources for the Future and the National Association of Manufacturers. 

Press Release

Sustainability

AF&PA Comments on the 2024 Election

SManger — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 23:40:00 +0000

AF&PA Comments on the 2024 Election

SManger Wed, 11/06/2024 - 18:40

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock issued the following statement on the 2024 election:

“AF&PA congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect JD Vance.

We are ready to get to work on behalf of the approximately 925,000 forest products industry employees who are manufacturing essential and sustainable paper and wood products that are used daily by people across the country and around the world. We are proud to make essential products from renewable and recyclable resources.

AF&PA remains committed to advancing public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and international competitiveness in this vital sector. Over 75% of our member company facilities are located in counties that are overwhelmingly rural. Our facilities and our member companies provide good, family-wage jobs and our employees are the backbone of these communities.

Press Release

AF&PA Releases Q3 2024 Boxboard Quarterly Report

CCozort — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:43:19 +0000

AF&PA Releases Q3 2024 Boxboard Quarterly Report

CCozort Mon, 10/28/2024 - 13:43

WASHINGTON – The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the Q3 2024 Boxboard report.

Total Boxboard production in Q3 increased 10% compared to Q3 2023. The boxboard operating rate was 89.0%, up 8.1 points from the same quarter last year and up 3.2 points year-to-date.

Solid Bl. Folding – Domestic production increased 18% compared to Q3 2023.
Solid Bleached Boxboard unmade orders were down 3% compared to the end of the previous quarter and increased 62% compared to September 2023.
Tube, Can & Drum – Domestic production increased 1% compared to Q3 2023, and was up 1% when compared to the same 9 months of 2023.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.