The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has published the November 2025 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in November fell 10% compared to October, though they increased 1% from November 2024. They were also up 1% when compared to the same 11 months of 2024.
The unbleached operating rate went down to 79%, its second lowest level for the year behind May's 76.9%; capacity was down 1.6% year-to-date.
Bleached food wrapping shipments decreased 2.2% from last November, but increased 7.4% year to date.
Total inventories were up 6.2% from the same month last year.
About AF&PA
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.
The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually.
