AF&PA Reports September Packaging Paper Shipments Up 2% Year on Year
On 19 October 2026, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) published its September packaging-papers report summary. It reported a 2% year-on-year increase in total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments for September, and a 4% increase for January–September. The two figures refer to different comparison windows.
Match each percentage to the same period in 2025
The September figure compares one month with the same month a year earlier. The cumulative figure compares nine months with the equivalent nine-month period. Neither is a comparison with August, and subtracting the two percentages does not give a monthly growth rate.
| Reported period | Reference period | Shipment change |
|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | September 2025 | +2% |
| January–September 2026 | January–September 2025 | +4% |
Paper-market totals do not specify a finished delivery bag
AF&PA’s public report description identifies U.S.-produced packaging-paper grades as its scope. This article uses the public release and scope description; it does not use the subscription report’s detailed tables. The aggregate shipment changes do not establish a particular paper grade’s price, a finished bag’s price, or YUANEN’s orders and availability.
For example, YUANEN’s paper insulated delivery-bag page describes a proposed paper exterior with a reflective inner surface. The complete composite, handles, loading and performance still require sample and written-order confirmation. A packaging-paper statistic cannot identify that complete construction or establish its food-contact suitability, recyclability or thermal performance.
If a supplier cites this report when explaining a quote, ask which paper grade and unit the explanation concerns, then compare the same bag construction, order scope and quotation date. Keep the market reference separate from the evidence supporting the actual item offered.
Keep the original release date with the statistic
Paper Advance dated its coverage 23 October and Board Converting News dated its summary 29 October. Both relay the same AF&PA figures; those later publication dates do not create a new reporting month or independent datasets. The original association release remains dated 19 October.
Sources and scope
Check the cited sources. Product specifications are subject to order confirmation and the agreed sample. This article is not a product test report or a regulatory certification.