U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined 1.1% in 2013, according to the AF&PA (Washington. D.C., USA) 54th Annual Survey of Paper, Paperboard, and Pulp Capacity released this week. The survey findings reveal that the direction and magnitude of capacity changes vary by grade category. 

 

Tissue paper capacity reached an all-time high in 2013 due in part to rising tissue paper consumption resulting from U.S. population growth. Containerboard capacity has been rebounding from recession-induced reductions. However, capacity to produce newsprint and printing and writing papers has been trending downwards.

 

The survey reports U.S. industry capacity data for 2013 and 2014 for all major grades of paper, paperboard, and pulp, as well as fiber consumption, based on a comprehensive survey of all U.S. pulp and paper mills. Survey respondents represent about 90% of the U.S industry capacity. More information is available by contacting Jessica McFaul at AF&PA.