With the slowing down of the European economy and the sanitary restrictions, European paper and board consumption decreased by 5.3% in 2020 compared to 2019, totalling 71 million tonnes.

The corrugated marketplace remains very strong; the US containerboard and box market is up 5.5% over last year and the increase sits even higher in Canada at 8.5%

LEATHERHEAD, Surrey, UK and AKRON, Ohio, USA – June 15, 2020 – The global market for folding cartons will be $136.7 billion in 2021, and as the market recovers from COVID-19 disruption global demand will reach $172.0 billion in 2026.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in April 2021 were UP 13.9% vs. April 2020 and are down 8.0% year-to-date.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in May increased five percent compared to May 2020. They were up two percent when compared to the same five months of 2020.

Major recovered paper end users anticipate paying more for feedstock as 2021 progresses, according to recent statements from company executives. Mill operators also shared updates on their recycled fiber capacity expansions.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in March 2021 were down 4.7% vs. March 2020 and are down 13.7% year-to-date.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in April increased four percent compared to April 2020.

Containerboard Capacity and U.S. Mill Consumption of Corrugated Reach Record Highs

As for most industries, the last year has been a challenging one for carton recycling in Canada. Certainly, at the Carton Council of Canada (CCC), we have witnessed a year characterized by significant fluctuations in both demand and price.

I might be biased, but I’ve always seen the corrugated package as a simply brilliant construction. And with sustainability and circular economy thinking at the top of the agenda for both brands and consumers today, this lightweight, sustainable and recyclable material is more relevant than ever. 

The pandemic meant record sales for retailers. But beyond external market demand spikes and input cost deflation, strategic and operational planning led to top EBITDA performance.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in February 2021 were down 14.1% vs. February 2020 and are down 18.3% year-to-date.

Total Containerboard production in March increased nine percent compared to March 2020. It was up two percent when compared to the same three months of 2020.

Trade (Consumer Book) Sales Up 21.3% in January 2021

With ecommerce reaching its largest ever share of total retail sales in 2020 and continuing to grow, attention to the types of packaging used for product returns also is increasing as brands, retailers and others across the supply chain seek reverse logistics solutions that contribute to a more sustainable, circular economy.

US forest industry performance in January and February was recently reported by both the US government and the Institute for Supply Management.

Total European shipments of graphic papers in January 2021 were down 22.3% vs. January 2020.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in February decreased two percent compared to February 2020.

As global consumer trends and demands continue to shift at an escalating pace – especially given the events of 2020 - markets for wood fiber residuals have undergone both structural and temporal changes.

Total packaging papers & specialty packaging shipments in January increased two percent compared to January 2020.