ITASCA, IL (News release) - The manufacturers of corrugated cardboard boxes are working to keep transport packaging flowing to makers of essential products including packaging for food and other consumer products, medical and pharmaceutical products, tissue and hygiene products and more amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Corrugated cardboard packaging is the backbone of the American supply chain," said Fibre Box Association President and CEO Dennis Colley. "As COVID-19 changes our daily lives, we want to assure consumers that the box industry is continuing to operate and to deliver needed packaging to our customers who supply grocery stores, pharmacies, doctor's offices and hospitals with food and medical supplies to keep us all healthy and safe."

Disruption in the availability of these goods would cause significant hardships to consumers across the country who depend on steady and stable supplies. Corrugated cardboard manufacturers are dedicated to continuing to operate box plants under the guidelines of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure products continue to flow to market.

Fibre Box Association joins American Forest & Paper Association in encouraging Federal, State and local governments to recognize the corrugated packaging industry as "essential" when drafting "Shelter in Place" orders. We ask for clear exclusion of our manufacturing operations to limit disruptions to the supply chain.

"We are grateful for the dedication and commitment of all people working in the corrugated packaging industry," said Colley.