Content Tagged: "Paper Manufacturing Decline"

North American/European Containerboard Capacity Declines

Containerboard capacity growth has shifted dramatically from the 2020-2021 boom to 2022 slowdowns in North America and Europe, driven by declining consumer spending, energy crises, and reduced e-commerce demand. Operations managers and industry leaders face critical decisions as operating rates hit 2008 levels, with recovery not expected until 2024. Key market drivers include sustainability initiatives, microflute technology adoption, and virgin fiber production alignment with green transition goals. Strategic considerations for capacity investments, fiber availability challenges in Asia, and economic uncertainty create both risks and opportunities for containerboard producers navigating this volatile market landscape.