AF&PA: U.S. Containerboard Output Reached Fresh Record in 2021

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA) released preliminary data for the year 2021 from U.S. paper and paperboard mills. The data indicates that containerboard production hit a new record in the U.S. during the previous year.

According to data, the total containerboard production surged higher by 5.6% in 2021, compared to 2020. This is the ninth year-on-year increase in production during the past ten years. Since old corrugated containers (OCC) production is closely tied to production of containerboard, the consumption of OCC may likely reach new record in 2021. The consumption through November 2021 had totalled 22.2 million tons, just short of the yearly record set in 2020.

The paper recycling rates have grown consistently during recent years, with almost 66% of paper being recycled. The paper industry has already announced investment of around $5 million in infrastructure until 2023, which in turn will boost the consumption of recovered paper by U.S. mills by approximately 25%, upon comparison with 2020 levels.

Heidi Brock, President and CEO, AF&PA noted that paper products and materials such as containerboard are some of the most recycled materials in the U.S. Incidentally, more paper by weight is recycled from municipal streams than plastic, glass, steel and aluminum combined, Brock added.

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