Mar 02, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. U.S. paperboard production in January increased from December totals by 81,800 tons or 8.0%. Total paperboard production decreased by 2.1% in January 2010 compared to January 2009, the American Forest & Paper Association said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. Production of unbleached kraft folding saw a substantial increase of 12.5% in production from December 2009. January’s production was flat when compared to last year. Current month production of solid bleached folding increased 14.7% when compared to December 2009 and decreased 3.1% over January a year ago. Solid bleached packaging operated at 86.3% capacity in January, 2010, up 0.1 point from last month, and down 0.8 points from January 2009. Recycled folding rose 6.4% over December 2009 and 0.5% against January 2009 production. Recycled board operated at 90.7% capacity in January, 2010, up from 84.2% in December 2009, and up 9.7 points over same month last year. The current solid bleached kraft paperboard inventories fell 12.2% when compared to January 2009, and 9,689 tons or 2.9% over last month.