The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the February 2026 U.S. Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in February increased 4% compared to February 2025. They were up 1% when compared to the same two months of 2025.

The unbleached packaging papers operating rate was 83.9%, up 4 points from February 2025 and up 2.3 points year-to-date.

Bleached food wrapping shipments were down 1.5% from last February.

Total inventories were up 7% from the same month last year.

The complete report with detailed tables, charts and historical data can be purchased by contacting Kory Bockman at Statistics_Publications@afandpa.org or 202-463-4716.

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.

Source: AF&PA