U.S. Paper and Wood Products industry sets record-high levels of Tissue production during COVID-19 pandemic
Nearly 700,000 tons of tissue produced by U.S. mills in March, more than any other month since 2007.
American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) President and CEO Heidi Brock commented, regarding the U.S. paper and wood products industry’s record-high levels of tissue production in February and March in response to unprecedented demand from COVID-19: “The men and women who work in the paper and wood products industry continue to do their part to respond to demand for products like bathroom tissue and paper towels during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. United States tissue mills manufactured nearly 700,000 tons of tissue in March, more than any other month since 2007, when AF&PA began collecting related monthly historical data. This rate works out to more than 4 pounds of tissue for each U.S. resident. U.S tissue manufacturers also reached a milestone for daily production at a time of unprecedented need. In February and March, AF&PA members safely and reliably delivered more than 22,000 tons of tissue per day – an all-time high for the industry. As daily production reached new thresholds, AF&PA member companies stayed the course, delivering sustainable tissue products to meet everyday, essential needs. I am heartened by the industry’s commitment to safety, and its ability to move products to the global market – just as we do 52 weeks each year”.
About the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry’s sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states.
