Paperboard Production in U.S. Creeps Upward

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The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) this week also released its January Paperboard Report, which shows that production increased from December totals by 81,800 tons or 8.0%. Total paperboard production decreased by 2.1% in January compared with January 2009.

Unbleached kraft folding production increased 12.5% from December 2009. January's production was flat when compared with last year. The Current month production of Solid bleached folding increased 14.7% compared with December 2009 and decreased 3.1% over January a year ago. Solid bleached packaging operated at 86.3% of capacity in January, up 0.1 point from last month, and down 0.8 points from January 2009.

Recycled folding production rose 6.4% over December 2009 and 0.5% against January 2009 production. Recycled board operated at 90.7% capacity in January, up from 84.2% in December 2009, and up 9.7 points over the same month last year. Current solid bleached kraft paperboard inventories fell 12.2% compared with January 2009, and 9,689 tons or 2.9% over last month.