The AF&PA (Washington, D.C., USA) released its May 2019 Packaging Papers & Specialty Packaging Monthly report on June 18.

Total packaging papers shipments were down 7.2% from May 2018 and down 2.4% year-to-date. Bag and sack shipments were down 0.6%  year-to-date; multiwall shipments were down 7.5%; food wrapping shipments were essentially flat; and converting shipments were down 2.8%. The operating rate for May decreased to 85.2% compared to 88.4% in April. Inventory levels decreased 2.3% from April.

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.