U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined 1.3% in 2016, in line with the long-term decline rate of 1.3% per year since 2001, as the American Forest & Paper Association reported.
Containerboard capacity continued to expand during recent years, increasing 1.4% in 2016 to a record 38.2 million tons. Containerboard accounted for 45% of U.S. paper and paperboard capacity in 2016, up from 36% in 2000. Tissue paper capacity has also been trending upward, expanding 0.7% in 2016 to 8.7 million tons.
Reflecting displacement from digital communications, capacity for newsprint and printing-writing papers continued to decline in 2016. Some of the capacity reductions in printing-writing papers are due to conversion of machines to produce fluff pulp and other paper products.
The American Forest & Paper Association serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy.
