U.S. Containerboard Operating Rate Reaches 95% in Q2, AF&PA Says
Paper Recycling | 2026-08-05 08:06:40
AF&PA report noted that Solid Bleached Boxboard recorded a 4% increase in production from a year earlier.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released its Q2 2026 Boxboard and Containerboard Quarterly Reports, highlighting stronger operating rates across the industry despite mixed production trends.
According to the report, U.S. boxboard production increased 2% year over year in the second quarter of 2026. However, the overall boxboard operating rate edged down to 88.8%, down from 89.4% during the comparable quarter in 2025.
ALSO READ:
AF&PA Reports Lower U.S. Paper Production in 2025
AF&PA: Packaging Shipments Rise Despite Declining Printing Paper Demand
AF&PA report noted that Solid Bleached Boxboard recorded a 4% increase in production from a year earlier. Unbleached Kraft and Coated Recycled Boxboard posted an operating rate of 92.6%, up 2.6% from the second quarter of 2025. Uncoated Recycled Boxboard operating rate reached 97.2%, recording a jump of 3.6% year-on-year.
The association also reported that the containerboard industry operating rate improved to nearly 95% during the quarter, up from 93% in the previous quarter. Despite the higher utilization rate, containerboard production declined 2% from the second quarter of 2025. Production was down by 5% in H1 2026 compared with the first six months of last year.
The operating rate for unbleached Kraft liner reached 95.7%, while that of Recycled medium dropped marginally to 93.5%.
AF&PA said domestic demand increased 1% from a year earlier, while exports fell by nearly 19%. Also, mill inventories dropped to their lowest level in more than 15 months by the end of June this year.
POLL
What was the most notable trend in the U.S. packaging paper industry during Q2 2026?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did U.S. boxboard production perform in Q2 2026?
U.S. boxboard production increased 2% year over year, according to the AF&PA quarterly report.
- What was the containerboard operating rate in Q2 2026?
The containerboard industry operating rate improved to nearly 95%, up from 93% in the previous quarter.
- Did containerboard production increase in Q2 2026?
No. Containerboard production declined 2% year over year in the second quarter and was 5% lower in the first half of 2026 compared with H1 2025.
