Total U.S. packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments increased 4% in February 2026 compared to the same month last year, with year-to-date shipments up 1% over the first two months of 2025, according to the American Forest & Paper Association.
The unbleached packaging papers operating rate reached 83.9% in February, a gain of 4 percentage points from February 2025 and up 2.3 percentage points on a year-to-date basis. Total inventories stood 7% higher than the same month a year ago.
Bleached food wrapping shipments declined 1.5% from February 2025.
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day.
