Radical Transformation of Cut-Size Markets Projected for Next 10 Years

The copy paper market has remained consistent and profitable in recent years. It has remained largely unaffected by the recession compared with other graphic paper grades such as newsprint and coated papers. However, according to a new RISI (Boston, Mass., USA) report, this is a declining market, competing with electronic substitutes. Maintaining profitability has seen a competitive battle for market share, which will transform the market over the next decade.

The report, titled Global Outlook for Cut-Size Uncoated Woodfree Paper Markets, analyzes the market for imaging, multipurpose, and other cut-size business papers on a global scale. The study was undertaken to see how demand will develop and how the distribution chain will evolve over the next 10 years.

"The pace of change in cut-size markets is quickening and we're set to see more transformative evolution in the coming years. For example, in North America we've recently seen a move away from merchants to manufacturers distributing directly to retail and contract stationers," said John Maine, VP Graphic Papers, RISI.

The report includes: historical data from 2000 to 2012; a 10-yr. forecast through 2023 including demand, production, capacity, trade, and price projections by region; an evaluation of the distribution chain and major players by region; and production costs including delivery costs to key consuming markets.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/