AF&PA releases 56th annual survey of paper, paperboard, and pulp capacity

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today released the 56th Annual Survey of Paper, Paperboard and Pulp Capacity, reporting that U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined a minimal 0.3 percent in 2015, compared with a long-term trend rate of 1.3 percent per year since 2001.

Containerboard capacity reached an all time high of 37.7 million tons, while capacity to produce newsprint and printing-writing papers continued to decline.

The survey reports U.S. industry capacity data for 2015 and 2016 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 data includes responses from companies  that represent more than 88 percent of U.S. paper and paperboard industry capacity, with estimates completing the data set.

The survey responses

In 2016, the containerboard and tissue sectors are expected to grow, while newsprint, printing-writing and bleached board sectors are projected to decline. Survey responses suggest total paper and paperboard capacity will decrease 1.3 percent in 2016. Some capacity reductions in printing-writing and bleached board are due to conversion of machines to make fluff pulp.