The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) released the September 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly report. 

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in September increased 2% compared to September 2025. They were up 4% when compared to the same 9 months of 2025.

• The unbleached packaging papers operating rate was 90.9% in September, the 2nd highest so far this year and the 3rd month it was above 90% in 2026.
• Bleached food wrapping shipments were up 1.9% from last September, and up 3.3% year-to-date.
• Total imports of packaging papers were up nearly 10% year-to-date, with unbleached bag, sack & multiwall up 24.2%. Imports of these papers from Canada were up nearly 30% year-to-date, while imports from all other destinations were down 3.4%.

AF&PA Releases September 2026 Packaging Papers Monthly Report