Nordisk Papper & Massa 1
NEWS IN ENGLISH AF&PA RELEASES 62ND PAPER INDUSTR
Y CAPACITY AND FIBER CONSUMPTION SURVEY by simon matthis The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today released the 62nd Paper Industry Capacity and Fiber Consumption Survey, indicating overall U.S. paper and paperboard capacity declined, 0.4% in 2021, compared to the average decline of 1.0% per year since 2012. KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE: • Containerboard capacity continued to expand for the 11th consecutive year and reached a record high of 42.3 million tons. Most notably, containerboard capacity expanded at its fastest rate in 25 years. As a result of these increases and decreases in other grades, containerboard share of total paper and paperboard capacity exceeded 50% for the first time in 2021. • Recovered paper consumption at U.S. paper and paperboard mills increased 3.9% in 2021, the highest level of recovered paper consumption by U.S. mills since 2008. This is also the highest share of total fiber consumption at U.S. mills ever, and the 9th consecutive year of increases in the share from 36.0% in 2012 to 41.6% in 2021. • Boxboard capacity increased 0.6% in 2021, following a 2.5% decline last year and outperforming its long-term trend of a 0.4% decline. Tissue paper capacity remained the same. The U.S. paper and paperboard industry has responded to shifting demands by repurposing 9 machines to produce packaging grades. Survey responses indicate total paper and paperboard capacity will remain flat in 2022, with increases in boxboard and newsprint, stability Containerboard capacity continued to expand for the 11th consecutive year in the US. in containerboard and tissue, and declines in printing-writing. The Survey details U.S. industry capacity data for 2021 and 2022 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. Data includes responses from companies representing more than 88% of U.S. paper and paperboard industry capacity, with estimates completing the data set. u Mondi switches all glassine-based release liners to certified base paper Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has switched its entire portfolio of glassine-based release liners to certified base paper. The change is part of Mondi’s ongoing, proactive approach to sustainability, which includes developing solutions that are better for the environment. Glassine-based release liners are mainly used for labels, tapes, and medical applications. By moving to certified base paper, Mondi is improving traceability, working with partners who manage forests responsibly in line with its commitment to maintain zero deforestation in its forests and supply chain. This latest move to certified glassinebased paper is another step in Mondi’s commitment to responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency. Mondi’s close collaboration with partners, known as its EcoSolutions approach, means that it will continue to ask the right questions and develop the most sustainable packaging solutions to support customers in achieving their sustainability goals. Mondi already works with a number of certification bodies to help increase the availability of certified wood fibre in its key wood sourcing markets in Europe. All of Mondi’s pulp and paper mills are PEFC or FSC™ certified, 100% of its own forests are certified and 76% of externally sourced wood and 100% of sourced pulp is from certified sources. Stefan Schönberger, Head of Product Sustainability Release Liner, Mondi, says: “As part of our Photo: Mondi MAP2030 ambitions, we commit to taking action on climate change, and setting an example for others working in international manufacturing, production and logistics to help them make sustainability a key priority. Offering certified base paper is part of this. It is the first step to upgrading our entire release liner portfolio, which will manage our impacts while providing the best possible solutions for the customer and the end consumer.” u NORDISK PAPPER & MASSA 3 2022 71