Washington, D.C. – The American Forest & Paper Association released its October 2018 U.S. Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report on November 15.

Total Packaging Papers shipments were up 7.2 percent compared to October 2017 and up 3.1 percent year-to-date. Bag & Sack shipments were up 6.0 percent year-to-date; Multiwall shipments were up 0.9 percent; Converting shipments were up 0.7 percent; and Food Wrapping shipments were up 2.5 percent. The operating rate for October remained essentially flat at 95.6 percent compared to 95.9 percent in September. Inventories dropped 1.2 percent since September and were 5.3 percent lower than the same month last year.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting [email protected].