Search

Focuses on the challenges facing publishers as regards developments in the paper industry. Paper price levels from 2002-2004; Factors which can push the coated groundwood paper prices up, according to Bill Lufkin, president and founder of Lufkin Strategic Procurement; Developments in the paper industry which affect the budgeting process of periodical publishers; Reaction of publishers to increased paper prices. INSET: Switching to Supercalendered.

The article focuses on cheaper paper alternatives for publishers in the U.S. It notes that as the prices of paper have increased by 20%, publishers need to consider using less expensive grades yet must also not compromise quality with the change. It mentions that every paper choice entails a trade-off in either cost, quality or availability. Magazine paper director Ernie Wohlfarth suggests publishers to choose U.S.-manufactured paper and an established manufacturer that is expected to stay in the market.

The article discusses the projected increase in paper prices and how publishers could prepare for the coming paper price hike. According to John Maine of Resource Information Systems, a significant recovery in paper prices can be expected during the second half of the 2007 that will last until 2009. Rob Brai, Mary Nemeth and Vicki Gardner provide insights on how publishers could mitigate the effects of the price increase.