When the global pulp and paper industry moves, we report it first — trusted by 5,000 subscribers across 80 countries

AF&PA Releases April 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

PAPER INDUSTRY NEWS

Jino John

6/3/20261 min read

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the April 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in April increased 5.5% compared to April 2025. They were up 4.8% when compared to the same 4 months of 2025.

  • The total packaging papers operating rate was at its highest in 13 months at 91.7%, boosted by an even higher rate for unbleached packaging papers.

  • Bleached packaging papers shipments were up 2.1% year-to-date.

  • Total inventories declined for the 3rd straight month and were 3.5% lower than April 2025.