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AF&PA Releases May 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report

PAPER INDUSTRY NEWS

Jino John

6/26/20261 min read

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

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in May increased 12% compared to May 2025. They were up 6% when compared to the same 5 months of 2025.

  • The unbleached packaging papers operating rate declined to 89% in May after nearly hitting 93% in April.

  • Shipments of bleached food wrapping were up 5.6% from last May, and up 3.4% year-to-date.

  • Total inventories increased for the first time since January and were down 6.8% from May 2025.