AF&PA Annual Survey Report: U.S. Paper, Paperboard Capacity Declined 1.7% in 2014

The American Forest & Paper Association has released the 55th Annual Survey of Paper, Paperboard and Pulp Capacity, reporting that while U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined 1.7% in 2014 it is expected to hold nearly stable in 2015.

Containerboard and tissue remain growth sectors for the paper industry. Tissue capacity reached an all-time high in 2014 and the upward trend is expected to continue next year. Capacity to produce newsprint and printing-writing papers continued to decline.

The survey reports U.S. industry capacity data for 2014 and 2015 for all major grades of paper, paperboard and pulp, as well as fiber consumption, based on a comprehensive survey of all U.S. pulp and paper mills. Survey respondents represent more than 88% of the U.S. industry capacity.