Listed below are some freely available previous editions of our monthly market intelligence report, Pulp & Paper Edge
Inside Edition 60
Feature: - Global Interview with Aida Greenbury, Director Sustainability and Global Stakeholder Engagement. Asia Pulp & Paper, Indonesia
Articles:
PPX Out of Manufacturing
CPRS - Pain Felt by Forestry, Pulp & Paper Industries
Sack Kraft Market Lifting
Pulp Prices Dependent on Chinese Market
Thermal Imports Cooler
Average Apparent Consumption Per Capita of Paper and Paperboard
Edition 60 Pulp & Paper Edge
December 2009
Feature:
Aida Greenbury, Director Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, Asia Pulp & Paper, Indonesia, held a web-cast of an interview organised by ProPrint. Questions were about issues in the past and the work that is being undertaken currently and planned for the future to ensure sustainable pulp and paper manufacturing, while at the same time endeavouring to alleviate poverty in Indonesia. The December feature is a précis of this interview.
Articles:
PPX Out of Manufacturing - PaperlinX has announced the closure of the Tas Paper Wesley Vale mill and BM4 at Burnie. This will be the end of coated woodfree manufacturing in Australia until a coater is built at Maryvale or a new paper mill is built. CWF will now be supplied from imports.
CPRS - Pain Felt by Forestry, Pulp & Paper Industries - The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) legislation failed to be passed by the Federal Senate. This delay will result in lost opportunities for the forestry, pulp and recycled paper sectors.
Sack Kraft Market Lifting - Sack Kraft apparent consumption is recovering slowly, principally driven by the uplift in building starts.
Pulp Prices Dependent on Chinese Market - Pulp price increases are slowing, with indications being prices will start to weaken in early 2010, however, producer stocks are only 26 days normally indicate further price increases. Price trends in early 2010 will be driven by Chinese traders and if they decide to continue to build inventory or sell down.
Thermal Imports Cooler - Thermal paper imports are down for the second consecutive year, however, domestic converting is increasing and demand is expected to remain relatively stable.
Average Apparent Consumption Per Capita of Paper and Paperboard - Average per capita apparent consumption of paper and paperboard in both Australia and New Zealand has declined as a result of the global financial crisis and falling trade, however, it is expected to recover as the economies strengthen.
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Inside Edition 59
Feature: - Norske Skog Boyer - Softwood Conversion Project
Articles:
Paper Imports Show Signs of Recovery
Gunns Permits Prolonged
Mixed Messages for Pulp Prices
CarbonEdge
Wastepaper Exports Recover Slowly
Changes to ANZSIC 2006 PPI Reporting
Edition 59 Pulp & Paper Edge
November 2009
Feature:
Norske Skog has officially concluded the softwood conversion project at Boyer, Tasmania, with the formal opening on Tuesday 17th November. IndustryEdge reports in a slightly longer than usual feature on the operational aspects of the changes, and the benefits that have been achieved after the investment from both a market and environmental perspective.
Articles:
Paper Imports Show Signs of Recovery - Paper imports are showing signs of recover in SQ'09, but there is a swing towards Asian suppliers away from the historically more dominant suppliers from Europe.
Gunns Permits Prolonged - Gunns is continuing to undertake negotiations with potential investors and financiers for the development of its Tamar pulp mill. However, there has been a need to ensure the time period for some of the Tasmanian state approvals are better defined to allow for the extended financial negotiating period.
Mixed Messages for Pulp Prices - Pulp prices have continued to rise sharply over recent months, but with increasing supply and steady demand there is an argument for the pricing trend to change. However, when considering currency exchange rates it is clear the South Americans will need to push for further price increases.
Wastepaper Exports Recover Slowly - Wastepaper exports started to improve in SQ'09 as demand, especially from China, improves. However, most of the gain has been from Western Australia, while in NSW the recently commissioned Visy mill at Tumut is attracting an increasing volume of wastepaper for domestic processing.
Changes to ANZSIC 2006 PPI Reporting - The ANZSIC codes have been expanded to show a greater range of producer price indexes within the pulp and paper industry.
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Inside Edition 58
Feature: - Can Australia Ever Build A New Pulpmill?
Articles:
Pulp Prices Near an Interim Peak
Newsprint – A Question of Balance
Wastepaper Exports, Mixed Messages
Visy Start Tumut VP10
Pratt Industries Opens Shreveport Mill, Louisiana
Anti-dumping Action Returns to USA
Kraftliner Imports down in 2008-09
Imported Boxes Flat
Edition 58 Pulp & Paper Edge
October 2009
Feature:
Australia has an abundent timber resource, is located close to Asian markets and has excellent technical skills for pulp manufacturing, but we import 350 ktpa and some have the perception it is not possible to build a pulpmill here. However, Visy has constructed and expanded a world class pulpmill at Tumut, and it can be done again by others. If the incentives are in place but no new mill is built, then what opportunities will be lost for the future?
Articles:
Pulp Prices Near an Interim Peak - Pulp prices have continued to increase globally but the forecast is there will be a stalling in price rises as inefficient closed mills are started up again due to the higher prices and create surplus supply.
Newsprint – A Question of Balance - Local manufacturer Norske Skog is expected to implement some restructuring to reduce costs as it faces an increasingly challenging market in Australasia.
Wastepaper Exports, Mixed Messages - Wastepaper exports have remained relatively strong in weak global markets, however, a new report states wastepaper should be processed in Australia to reduce emissions.
Visy Start Tumut VP10 - VP10 starts up at Tumut and is producing 500 tonnes a day as it ramps up to full production at 1 000 tonnes a day.
Pratt Industries Opens Shreveport Mill, Louisiana - The Pratt Shreveport Mill in Louisiana has been formerly opened by the Governor Bobby Jindal.
Anti-dumping Action Returns to USA - Selected American makers of Coated Woodfrees have petitioned for an anti-dumping review of imports of CWF from China and Indonesia, only 20-months after the previous review.
Kraftliner Imports down in 2008-09 - Kraftliner imports fell by 20% in 2008-09, with the reduction being from shipments from New Zealand.
Imported Boxes Flat - Imports of converted boxes and cartons rose in JQ'09, but only in line with previous spikes in supply.
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Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2009
October 2009
The Australian and New Zealand Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2008 is an in-depth strategic analysis of the pulp and paper sector, establishing the industry’s strengths and weaknesses and identifying threats and opportunities. Demand drivers are examined for all sectors, including advertising expenditure, economic activity and changing trends in consumption. Comprehensive data is presented on local production, imported supplies and export shipments by grade, country and price for both Australia and New Zealand.
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Inside Edition 57
Feature: - Visy – Same Ethos & Totally Committed
Articles:
Global Financial Crisis or Printers Facing Judgement Day?
Pulp – Prices Up, Stocks Down
Pushing the Envelope
SCA Investing in Australia for Local Market
A Good Deal for Gunns
Annual Report Cards
Edition 57 Pulp & Paper Edge
September 2009
Feature:
Visy is about to start VP10 plus the second fibre line at Tumut, which has been constructed in only eighteen months. Before the first tonne is produced all the output has been sold into high value markets around the world. IndustryEdge has visited the mill as it prepares to start production with double the capacity.
Articles:
Global Financial Crisis or Printers Facing Judgement Day? - Imports of printing and communication grades have plummeted during 2008-09 indicating a sharp fall in demand for many printers. A turn around in the printing industry may occur once the economy starts to pick, but nothing is going to be certain.
Pulp – Prices Up, Stocks Down - Global pulp market prices are still rising, especially in China, but marginal mills that were forced out of production when prices were low are starting to come back into the market which is likely to cause prices to weaken again.
Pushing the Envelope - Imports of envelopes are down, but not as much as may be expected. Electronic communication is having some impact, but when the economy fully recovers, so too may the demand for envelopes.
SCA Investing in Australia for Local Market - SCA is investing in Australia for product and packaging improvements, as well as reducing its manufacturing footprint.
A Good Deal for Gunns - Gunns acquisition of ITC Timber was a very good deal and will place Gunns in top spot as being Australia's premium hardwood sawmiller for many years to come.
Annual Report Cards - Summaries are provided on the 2008-09 annual reports for PaperlinX, CPI and Amcor.
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Inside Edition 56
Feature: - Cartonboard – Resilient in a Changing World
Articles:
Parliament House Copy Paper
Pulp Market - Temporary or Permanent Improvment?
Newsprint Imports Sliding
Cut Reams – Contracting Market
Timber Assets Felled
Quilton Eco Ply
Edition 56 Pulp & Paper Edge
August 2009
Feature:
Demand for cartonboard in Australia has remained reasonably resolute in recent times while other packaging grades have been influenced by external factors such as the economic downturn. IndustryEdge asked Darren Pearce, Marketing Manager – Paper & Board, Amcor Cartonboard Australasia, what changes are occurring with cartonboard consumption, especially in relation to private labels and product performance
Articles:
Parliament House Copy Paper - Australian Paper has been successful in having Reflex Carbon Neutral added to the Parliamentary list of approved paper, but price is likely to remain the critical purchasing criteria.
Pulp Market - Temporary or Permanent Improvment? - Pulp markets are lifting in all regions of the world, with both demand and prices looking positive, however, while the trend is expected to continue for softwood grades, for hardwood grades the prospects are less positive.
Newsprint Imports Sliding - Imports of newsprint are down, but this does not necessary translate to all good news for the local manufacturer.
Cut Reams – Contracting Market - Cut ream imports are down, reflecting the downturn in the economic cycle. However, the question is whether demand will recover as the economy picks up.
Timber Assets Felled - Timbercorp and Great Southern timber assets are up for sale and for each company the estates should be sold as a whole rather than being divided up to satisfy small speculative offers.
Quilton Eco Ply - ABC Tissue is launching its 'green' premium toilet tissue with a middle ply made of recovered office papers. Quilton Eco Ply will have the same characteristics as the original product, but with a lower impact on the environment.
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Inside Edition 55
Feature: - Maryvale – New Owners, New Beginning
Articles:
Will Industry Review Group Be Effective?
MISsion Possible
Two Sides of Toilet Paper Review
Market Pulp – Guarded Optimism
Visy's Focus Changing from Macro to Micro
Japanese Woodchip Imports
Wastepaper Exports Less in the Dumps
Edition 55 Pulp & Paper Edge
July 2009
Feature:
After the sale of Australian Paper, less the Tasmanian mills, to Nippon Paper Group there is a renewed enthusiasm for manufacturing and sales of locally made paper. IndustryEdge reports on the recent achievements at Maryvale and the prospects of achieving competitive manufacturing in the future.
Articles:
Will Industry Review Group Be Effective? - The federal government has announced an industry working group in relation to investment and the potential of the pulp and paper industries. However, any constraints on the group may influence how effective it is.
MISsion Possible - Gunns has taken a strategic stake in FEA since the opportunity became available. Integrated MIS forestry companies are showing good potential for long-term supply of timber products.
Two Sides of Toilet Paper Review - An anti-dumping review undertaken by Australian Customs, which was concluded in December 2008, has been recommended to be reopened by the Attorney-General's Department.
Market Pulp – Guarded Optimism - Prices are rising just as demand is recovering, however, the danger is supply will quickly exceed demand and destabilise the market again.
Visy's Focus Changing from Macro to Micro - Australia's largest corrugated container producer is changing its focus from macro capital investments to micro investments focussed on individual customer solutions and service.
Japanese Woodchip Imports - Japan's woodchip imports have reduced significantly during the fist half of 2009, however, there are signs in recent months a slow recovery may be starting.
Wastepaper Exports Less in the Dumps - After falling sharply in the first quarter 2009, wastepaper exports are expected to recover for the remaining three quarters of this year.
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Inside Edition 54
Feature: - Interview with Bernard Cassell
Articles:
Business Case for Coater at Maryvale?
Newsprint Price Flat.
How Hard is it for Woodchips
Pixels or Paper? Future of Paper and Print in Europe
Tumut and Botany Out of the Box
Gunns Submits Final Draft Pulpmill Design Report
A National Waste Policy? Implications for Industry
Edition 54 Pulp & Paper Edge
June 2009
Feature:
The paper and printing industries are continually lambasted as being environmental outcasts through misinformed actions such as corporations sending out statements electronically to ‘save the environment’. The paper and printing industries have made phenomenal environmental improvements over the past 20 years and should be applauded for the progress achieved. Bernard Cassell, CEO of the CPI Group and Chairman of APIA, speaks about his passion to protect and promote the paper and printing industries.
Articles:
Business Case for Coater at Maryvale? - Nippon Paper and PaperlinX have finalised the Australian Paper acquisition transaction. However, the business case behind the Nippon Paper announcement they are considering a coater for Maryvale is unclear.
Newsprint Price Flat - Newsprint prices will remain flat for another year, having been influenced by the absence of growth in the local market.
How Hard is it for Woodchips - There are signs export markets for both hardwood and softwood chips make be starting to recover, but it i still very early days yet.
Pixels or Paper? Future of Paper and Print in Europe - A European report has been completed concluding a structural market shift away from paper over the next decade.
Tumut and Botany Out of the Box - Both Amcor, at Botany, and Visy, at Tumut, are progressing well with their respective projects.
Gunns Submits Final Draft Pulpmill Design Report - Gunns has met a permit requirement to submit a final draft Pulp Mill Design document to the Tasmanian EPA.
A National Waste Policy? Implications for Industry - Environment ministers branded May's in-principle agreement for a National Waste Policy as a breakthrough on waste, however, time will tell.
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Inside Edition 53
Feature: - Bioenergy & Carbon Trading – Threats and Opportunities for the Forest Products and Paper Industries
Articles:
Is Recovered Paper Recovering?
Vale Dick Pratt
Ready Made Boxes Contracting
MISsing Details in Reporting
Newsprint Imports to Fourteen-year Low
Gunns Garners Support
Cut Reams Market Takes Stock
CarbonEgde
Edition 53 Pulp & Paper Edge
May 2009
Feature:
Research and developments in the processing of bioenergy and biofuels, either as a bi product of chemical pulp manufacturing, or in direct competition for the raw resource pulp manufacturers need, were presented at the recent Appita symposium focusing on these issues. The symposium was the best Appita has held, and for those who did not attend it was a missed opportunity. For the May feature, IndustryEdge provides an overview of the papers presented.
Articles:
Is Recovered Paper Recovering? - There are signs the recovered paper market could be starting to recover, but prices are still extremely low and demand has only lifted slightly.
Vale Dick Pratt - Dick Pratt has done more for the pulp and paper industry than thousands of others combined, he was a man of great intellect and legendary generosity and will be sorely missed by many.
Ready Made Boxes Contracting - The market for imported cartons, boxes and containers has slipped back to its lowest level for more than two years.
MISsing Details in Reporting - Diversified MIS companies focusing on timber growing and processing still have a good business case.
Newsprint Imports to Fourteen-year Low - Imports of newsprint have fallen for three consecutive years, being driven by both cyclical and structural changes.
Gunns Garners Support - Gunns has received belated support from the international union movement in response to anti-pulpmill statements being made in the European financial press.
Cut Reams Market Takes Stock - Exports of cut reams have increased faster than a rise in imports, however export prices have fallen faster than import prices.
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Inside Edition 52
Feature: - Asean FTA - Will Australasian Buyers be Winners?
Articles:
Pulp Manufacturers Kicking Own Goals
OCC Prices on Life Support
Value of Tissue Imports Continues to Climb
Change of Leadership at ACA
Can New Zealand Deliver More Kraftliner?
Envelope Imports
CarbonEgde
Edition 52 Pulp & Paper Edge
April 2009
Feature:
The free trade agreement between ASEAN members and Australia and New Zealand (AANZFTA) has been agreed, signed and will be enacted before 1st January 2010. There has been no clear analysis of what impact this will have on import sensitive industries such as paper and paperboard manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand. IndustryEdge examines the trade flows by grade, especially with Indonesia and Thailand, and likely implications of AANZFTA.
Articles:
Pulp Manufacturers Kicking Own Goals - Demand and transaction prices for pulp are both weak and indicate declining market conditions, however, manufacturers (especially hardwood) are not taking sufficient down time, and therefore stocks are building up which will delay market recovery.
OCC Prices on Life Support - OCC prices are low and traders are having difficulty finding sufficient export markets.
Value of Tissue Imports Continues to Climb - Tissue demand has remained reasonably stable through the economic downturn, however, imports of Chinese toilet tissue have declined during 2008.
Change of Leadership at ACA - Chris Lee-Brown, CEO of the Australian Catalogue Association, having built up the ACA into an effective lobbying organisation for the catalogue industry, will step down before mid-year.
Can New Zealand Deliver More Kraftliner? - CHH exports of kraftliner from New Zealand to Australia have increased by a small amount, however, depending on whether Amcor continues to buy kraftliner from Maryvale or not, there is the potential for CHH to ship more across the Tasman.
Envelope Imports - Envelope imports are increasing but still only account for a small proportion of the domestic market.
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Inside Edition 51
Feature: - The Challenges Facing A3P in More Demanding Times
Articles:
Nippon Paper to Purchase Most AP Assets
CPI Results Improving
Gunns Entering Critical Period
Too Much Pulp (For Now)
Update on Amcor Australasian Fibre-based Business
Cut Reams - Business Goes On
Edition 51 Pulp & Paper Edge
March 2009
Feature:
A3P is the central representative organisation in Canberra for most plantation growers and pulp and paper manufacturers. There are an increasing number of new challenges facing these industries, including carbon sequestration and trading, as well as certification and trade exposure in difficult financial times. IndustryEdge spoke with Richard Stanton, the recently appointed CEO of A3P, about his goals and strategies for 2009 and beyond.
Articles:
CarbonEdge - Introduction of new Carbon trading market intelligence service.
Nippon Paper to Purchase Most AP Assets - Nippon Paper purchases the major assets of Australian Paper, and changes are expected once the deal is finalised.
CPI Results Improving - CPI results for first half of 2008-09.
Gunns Entering Critical Period - Gunns results for first half 2008-09.
Too Much Pulp (For Now) - Pulp stocks continue to grow and prices depressed, even though there has been a small increase in demand from China.
Update on Amcor Australasian Fibre-based Business - Results for Amcor Fibre Packaging for first half 2008-09 and confirmation Botany Mill is still progressing.
Cut Reams - Business Goes on - Demand for cut reams is being impacted by companies closing and staff reductions.
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Inside Edition 50
Feature: - Is Australia Part of an International Wastepaper Crisis?
Articles:
No Choices Now, Paper Prices to Rise
Are the Chips Down for Japan?
Understanding Pulp Markets – Its Hard
Australian Paper Progress
Newsprint Imports Slip Further
Edition 50 Pulp & Paper Edge
February 2009
Feature:
Compared to the majority of developed countries, Australia and New Zealand have well advanced and reasonably efficient waste paper and board collection services. However, our success has meant in times of oversupply and weak markets, exports decline and domestic reprocessors are unable to take in the additional volume. IndustryEdge asked Nick Harford, a freelance sustainability adviser, what are the consequences for the local industry.
Articles:
No Choices Now, Paper Prices to Rise - Merchants have generally failed to hold announced price increases since the decline of the Australian dollar mid-2008. Merchants can no longer fail to implement announced increases.
Are the Chips Down for Japan? - Woodchip orders from Japan are weaker, however, Australia is in a better position than other suppliers since the AUD has fallen considerably against the JPY. Gunns are in a good position to maintain supply.
Understanding Pulp Markets – Its Hard - In January there was a small rally in the pulp market, not enough for a recovery, but sufficient to slow declining prices. Recovery is expected to start in early 2010.
Australian Paper Progress - Maryvale mill upgrade is completed and commissioning is well underway. No certainty on the sale of Australian Paper, but there are still interested parties.
Newsprint Imports Slip Further - Newsprint imports slipped in 2008, a combination of increased domestic production and slipping newspaper readership.
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Inside Edition 49
Feature: - Interview with Richard Cockram, NLK Associates - What will the pulp and paper industry look like after the current financial crisis?
Articles:
Wastepaper Prices are Now a Concern
Producer Price Index for Packaging Materials
Hope for Pulp Markets Yet
Maryvale Update
How is Gunns Going?
Global Uncertainty Continues on Climate and Carbon
Office Closure
Edition 49 Pulp & Paper Edge
December 2008
Feature:
Many global industries are expected to change as a consequence of the current financial crisis, with consolidation and restructuring being part of the sollutions. IndustryEdge interviewed Richard Cockram, NLK Associates, to discuss his views regarding the global pulp and paper industry going into this crisis, and what shape the industry is likely to be in as global markets slowly recover.
Articles:
Wastepaper Prices are Now a Concern - Wastepaper prices have fallen sharply and are now causing concern regarding the value of high cost recovery operations.
Producer Price Index for Packaging Materials - The Producer Price Index for Paper and Paper products is managing to hold firm despite of external pressures to increase.
Hope for Pulp Markets Yet - Pulp market prices have fallen so fast and so far buyers have already started to move back into the market providing some hope sales will pick up in the near future.
Maryvale Update - The Maryvale upgrade has moved to the commission stage, with better returns expected to flow from the investment in the near future.
How is Gunns Going? - Gunns has provided some better news to the market even though its share price has had a turbulent few weeks.
Global Uncertainty Continues on Climate and Carbon - Update from Pozan in Poland, little to report on agreements being reached, more uncertainty.
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Inside Edition 48
Feature: PaperlinX - The Challenges of Global Merchanting
Articles:
Selected Tissue Prices not Well
Pulp Prices – What is Different this Cycle
Recovered Paper Exports Could be in the Bin
A3P Concerned About Forest Management Certification
Financing Adjustments to Climate Change
Kraftliner Imports Reach New Record
Imports of Cartons, Boxes and Cases Bounce
Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2008
Edition 48 Pulp & Paper Edge
November 2008
Feature:
PaperlinX has successfully established an international network of merchanting businesses operating in most major developed markets of the world. However, economic conditions have changed which has created new challenges for global companies. IndustryEdge met with Martin Fothergill, Executive General Manager, Global Merchanting, PaperlinX, to discuss the impact of the international economic uncertainty on merchanting businesses globally.
Articles:
Selected Tissue Prices not Well - While domestic tissue prices are set to increase in 2009, Australian Customs have found there is a case for tissue imports from China and Indonesia being dumped in Australia.
Pulp Prices – What is Different this Cycle - Pulp prices are falling fast in USD terms, but not so quickly in AUD. The trough is expected to be reached in mid-2009.
Recovered Paper Exports Could be in the Bin -
Wastepaper exports are falling in both volume and value. This is a market cycle not policy failure.
A3P Concerned About Forest Management Certification - A3P responds to statements PEFC Chain of Custody certification has been awarded to pulpmills in Indonesia.
Financing Adjustments to Climate Change - The introduction of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is not going to be easy for the pulp and paper sector unless there are changes in the international interpretation and agreements.
Kraftliner Imports Reach New Record - Kraftliner imports reach record highs, with increased shipments coming from New Zealand.
Imports of Cartons, Boxes and Cases Bounce - After falling in the JQ'08, imports of converted cartons, boxes and cases recover sharply.
Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2008 - Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2008 is available in both hardcopy and on CD. Order form available at www.industryedge.com.au/publications
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Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2008
October 2008
The Australian and New Zealand Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2008 is an in-depth strategic analysis of the pulp and paper sector, establishing the industry’s strengths and weaknesses and identifying threats and opportunities. Demand drivers are examined for all sectors, including advertising expenditure, economic activity and changing trends in consumption. Comprehensive data is presented on local production, imported supplies and export shipments by grade, country and price for both Australia and New Zealand.
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Inside Edition 47
Feature: Amcor Redresses Prices and Service
Articles:
The Party is Over
Industry Responds to Emissions Trading Green Paper
Paper Prices Heading North
Pulping Worries
Burke Advises Gunns
PaperlinX New CFO
APP Earns PEFC Recognition
Envelopes Remaining Flat
Edition 47 Pulp & Paper Edge
October 2008
Feature:
Mike McKinstry, Group General Manager, Corrugated Australia, Amcor Fibre Packaging, is applying price increases across corrugated fibre packaging to recover rising costs above and beyond what Amcor has managed to offset through production efficiencies. IndustryEdge met with McKinstry to ask about his strong customer focus and how Amcor will work with customers to redress prices and service.
Articles:
The Party is Over - The current global financial crisis is already impacting the pulp and paper industry, both through falling demand for paper and paperboard and increased difficulty in securing large amounts of capital for project developments. The short-term future is going to be challenging.
Industry Responds to Emissions Trading Green Paper - An update on the industry response to government policy development for emissions trading in the lead up to the next round of international talks.
Paper Prices Heading North - Paper prices are increasing, and with the falling AUD against major trading currencies, price increases are expected to continue.
Pulping Worries - Falling demand for market pulp has resulted in a build up of inventory in pulp mills and falling prices.
Burke Advises Gunns - Gunns Ltd has contracted Don Burke to provide independent environmental advice.
PaperlinX New CFO - PaperlinX announces Mark Hooper as the new CFO to replace David Lamont.
APP Earns PEFC Recognition - APP has international certification for Chain of Custody for four pulpmills in Indonesia.
Envelopes Remaining Flat - Envelope market is stable, however, imports are remaining at close to 500 million.
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Inside Edition 46
Feature: Is The Letterbox Smart Marketing
Articles:
A Notable Year for Printing and Communication Papers
Pulp Buyers Holding Back
Australia's Emissions Trading Scheme is a Long Way from Finished
PaperlinX FY08 Results
Gunns FY08 Results
The ABC of Tissue Stock Imports
Edition 46 Pulp & Paper Edge
September 2008
Feature:
Australia, along with most other developed nations, is experiencing a fall of consumer confidence during a period of economic uncertainty, so IndustryEdge asked Chris Lee-Brown, CEO of the Australian Catalogue Association (ACA), if there would be a resulting slide in demand for catalogues, and what the future trends for this major media are expected to be.
Articles:
A Notable Year for Printing and Communication Papers - A number of milestones were reached in 2007-08, including apparent consumption of printing and writing papers exceeding 1.5 Mt, imports of these grades being greater than 1.0 Mt and a value of shipments being greater than AUDFob1.1 bn.
Pulp Buyers Holding Back - Pulp prices have peaked in the current cycle and are set to weaken over the next eighteen months as demand falls and supply increases in 2009.
Australia's Emissions Trading Scheme is a Long Way from Finished - The government talks about Emission Trading Schemes, but there is still a lack of clear policy and the pulp and paper industry is vulnerable to poor policy development.
PaperlinX FY08 Results - PaperlinX reports its results for 2007-08, and places Australian Paper on the market for potential bidders.
Gunns FY08 Results - Gunns reports its results for 2007-08, and provides an update on current progress with the permit approvals process.
The ABC of Tissue Stock Imports - ABC Tissue, now the second largest tissue manufacturer in Australia, is now importing pulp as furnish for its new Celli machine in Sydney. Tissue stock imports have fallen by a corresponding amount.
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Inside Edition 45
Feature:VISYonary Stage 2 - VPP10
Articles:
Catalogues are Good Business
David Lamont to Leave PaperlinX
Pulp Fundamentals Have Turned
PPI Flat for Fibre Packaging
Cut Reams Trade - Defying Logic
Paper Prices Wake Up Call
Pulp Imports Reach New Record
Paper Force Stakeholder Update
Changes to Back Page Pricing Series
Edition 45 Pulp & Paper Edge
August 2008
Feature:
The upgrade and expansion of the Visy pulp and paper mill at Tumut is well advanced, with construction occurring at a formidable pace. Once completed, the total sum invested by Visy in the facility will be over AUD1 billion. IndustryEdge met with Lex Kingma, Mill Manager, Visy Pulp & Paper Tumut, to see first hand the developments and discuss the benefits of the Stage 2 Project.
Articles
Catalogues are Good Business - Demand for catalogues continues to rise as the product becomes more consumer specific and modern technology is providing retailers with better target information.
David Lamont to Leave PaperlinX - David Lamont is returning to the mining sector after making a very positive impact at PaperlinX.
Pulp Fundamentals Have Turned - Pulp prices have stalled after rising for almost two years. The short-term prognosis indicates demand will fall and prices will start to slide.
PPI Flat for Fibre Packaging - The PPI for fibre packaging has not moved up for four quarters and has started fall well behind the All Manufacturing Division.
Cut Reams Trade Defying Logic - Trade in cut reams is moving in the opposite direction to what the theory should be telling us. The AUD has risen strongly over the first half 2008, but exports have risen during this period and imports are down.
Paper Prices Wake Up Call - Paper prices have fallen more than 50% behind incremental rises in CPI over the past four years indicating paper has lost value.
Pulp Imports Reach New record - As Australian Paper is about to finalise its pulping and bleaching upgrade project at Maryvale, Victoria, Australian imports of pulp reach a new record. The increase has been assisted by the start up of the ABC Tissue paper machine in Sydney during 2007-08.
Paper Force Stakeholder Update - APP is making a concerted effort to be transparent with the work it is undertaking to meet international environmental standards.
Change to Back Page Pricing Series - The back page list of prices has been updated to reflect a better series of prices.
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Inside Edition 44
Feature:Communication Papers and Cartonboard Production in China
Articles
Garnaut is Not the Main Show
Norske Skog Boyer Upgrade
Maryvale Upgrade Nearing the End
Gunns' Announcement Provides Update
Global Economic Woes and Pulp Prices
Thermal Paper Demand Cooler
Recovered Paper Prices Continue to Diverge
Paper Round Absorbed into A3P
Edition 44 Pulp & Paper Edge
July 2008
Feature:
There is growing interest regarding imports of communication papers and cartonboard from China. Some see increased production in China as an opportunity for Australasian buyers, while others consider it a threat. IndustryEdge reviews the growth of these industries in China, and the challenges and opportunities they are expected to experience in the future.
Articles
Garnaut is Not the Main Show - The Garnaut Draft Report is only one of many inputs to the government's Green Paper for emissions trading. The pulp and paper sector may be disadvantaged if only costs are thrust on the industry and cheap imports are encouraged to prevail.
Norske Skog Boyer Upgrade - Norske Skog Boyer is expected to make improvements to its pulping operations to achieve both financial and environmental improvements.
Maryvale Upgrade Nearing the End - The fourth shut for the upgrade at Maryvale was the most complex but is now complete. The bleaching plant is scheduled to come on line in September.
Gunns' Announcement Provides Update - Gunns' announcement providing an update on financing arrangements opens the possibility of a joint venture.
Global Economic Woes and Pulp Prices - Pulp prices are being tempered by the global economic woes, bring to an end the two year period of price increases.
Thermal Paper Demand Cooler - Weaker demand for thermal paper is reflected in weaker imports, however, the proportion being sourced from China has increased.
Recovered Paper Prices Continue to Diverge - PIX benchmark prices for recovered old corrugated containers steadily falling since April.
Paper Round Absorbed into A3P - Paper Round is to become part of A3P since product stewardship will be addressed as a part of a raft of environmental improvements being addressed by the national organisation.
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Inside Edition 43
Feature:Emissions Trading in the Pulp & Paper Sector
Articles
Weaker Pulp Prices are not a Sign of Changes (Yet)
ANZ Out of Gunns Pulp Mill Funding
Packaging Imports Reach New Records
Clear Message for Paper Prices
Woodchip Exports
Maryvale Pulping and Bleaching Upgrade Update
Sustaining Change at Visy
Edition 43 Pulp & Paper Edge
June 2008
Feature:“
The introduction of emissions trading will constitute the most significant economic and structural reform undertaken in Australia since trade liberalisation of the 1980s”. Senator Penny Wong, 17th March 2008.
Articles
Weaker Pulp Prices are not a Sign of Changes (Yet) - Rising pulp prices have taken a break from the relentless upward trend, but this does not necessarily mean the top of the current cycle.
ANZ Out of Gunns' Pulp Mill Funding - The ANZ has pulled out from funding the Gunns' pulpmill, but other banks are expected to take the opportunity to supply funding.
Packaging Imports Reach New Records - The volume of total imported packaging grades reached a new record for 2007. A strong AUD, competitive domestic pricing and CHH strategy to be reliant on supplying its own materials across the Tasman are all assisting to increase imports.
Clear Message for Paper Prices - Paper prices are starting to rise, but not as quickly as some had predicted. There is a necessity for manufacturers to cover escalating costs, therefore further price increases are expected in 2H 2008.
Woodchip Exports - Woodchip exports have been rising, but so too have costs.
Maryvale Pulping and Bleaching Upgrade Update - The Maryvale pulping and bleaching upgrade is nearing the end of the critical shut phase, with expectations the mill will be fully operational within days.
Sustaining Change at Visy - Visy has made the environment and sustainable operations one of its priorities.
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Inside Edition 42
Feature:
Paper Price Pendulum in Full Swing
Articles:
DIP Cell is a Jewel for Amcor
Don Matthews Appointed as COO Amcor Australasia
Increasing Competition for Local Box Manufacturers
Carter Holt Harvey Remaining Up Stream
Wastepaper Exports Set New Records
Pulp Prices - Signs of End are Nigh
Adjustment to Pricing Series on Back Page
Edition 42 Pulp & Paper Edge
May 2008
Feature:
Paper prices are starting to rise after several years of being flat or in decline. There have been closures of manufacturing capacity in the developed world, while at the same time increasing demand in developing economies. IndustryEdge analyses pricing trends, input costs including the rising price of pulp and energy, and market influences to determine where prices are heading in the short to medium-term.
Articles:
DIP Cell is a Jewel for Amcor - When Amcor closes the Fairfield facility in Victoria, there will be considerable interest in the future ownership of the 50 ktpa white paper de-inking cell.
Don Matthews Appointed as COO Amcor Australasia - Amcor Australasia has appointed Don Matthews as the new Chief Operating Officer.
Increasing Competition for Local Box Manufacturers - The volume of imported cartons and boxes continue to increase sharply. While still at a reasonably small proportion of the total market, the rate of increase will be of concern to local producers.
Carter Holt Harvey Remaining Up Stream - CHH has signed a letter of intent to purchase the non-joint venture assets of Weyerhaeuser Australia.
Wastepaper Exports Set New Records - Wastepaper exports from all states reach new records, with rising prices being an incentive to reduce wastepaper going to landfill.
Pulp Prices - Signs of End are Nigh - The fundamentals that have driven up pulp prices over the last eighteen months are changing, indicating there may be some easing in the upward trend.
Adjustment to Pricing Series on Back Page - Pricing indicators for coated and uncoated woodfrees have been changed to better reflect market figures.
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Inside Edition 41
Feature:
The Way Forward for Botany 9
Articles:
Toilet Tissue Dumping Investigation
OCC Prices Going into Orbit
Newsprint Imports & Prices Down (Just)
More Envelopes Being Delivered
Kraftliner Imports Take Hart
Still Only One Way for Pulp Prices
Edition 41 Pulp & Paper Edge
April 2008
Feature:
The new paper machine at Botany (B9) Project is an integral part of the global Amcor strategy, The Way Forward, which is to review all businesses and invest where significant change can be made, and internal rates of return achieved. Darryl Roberts, B9 Project Leader, spoke with IndystryEdge about the significant improvements for both Amcor and its customers flowing from the B9 Project.
Articles:
Toilet Tissue Dumping Investigation - Toilet tissue dumping is being investigated by Australian Customs.
OCC Prices Going into Orbit - Prices for exported Old Corrugated Containers have almost doubled in twelve months, with implications for local processors.
Newsprint Imports & Prices Down (Just) - Newsprint imports have fallen slightly after upgrade at Albury, but so have import prices.
More Envelopes Being Delivered - Envelope imports are up, despite rising use of electronic media for invoicing, bill payments and general communication.
Kraftliner Imports Take Hart - Kraftliner imports from New Zealand have risen sharply since Rank Investments ownership of Carter Holt Harvey
Still Only One Way for Pulp Prices - Pulp supply remains tight, with prices continuing to rise.
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Inside Edition 40
Feature:
The value in bringing CPI, Edwards Dunlop and Raleigh together is greater than the sum of the parts.
Articles:
Price Rises Looking More Certain
Woodchip Prices Reviewed
Expectation Over - Now the Realisation. Amcor Announces B9 at Botany
PaperlinX Interim Results
Tissue Turbulence Update
PPI for Packaging Materials
Pulp Prices Peaking
MD Amcor Australasia Resigns
Edition 40 Pulp & Paper Edge
March 2008
Feature: The combining of CPI, Edwards Dunlop and Raleigh into the second largest merchant in Australia, accounting for close to 33% market share, could be expected to provide benefits for the combined group and customers alike. IndustryEdge discusses with Bernard Cassell, managing Director, CPI Group his vision for the future and his strategy for getting there.
Articles:
Price Rises Looking More Certain - Price rises in the domestic market for many grades of paper and paperboard are being implemented as the rise in the AUD/USD is no longer sufficient to absorb higher priced imports.
Woodchip Prices Reviewed - Woodchip export prices are rising along with the volume of shipments.
Expectation Over - Now the Realisation. Amcor Announces B9 at Botany - Amcor will start building B9 at Botany to produce a range of lightweight wastepaper based corrugating materials to be better placed to meet market requirements.
PaperlinX Interim Results - Sales volumes are down for 1H 2007-08, but profit up 8%. The Maryvale pulpmill project runs over original budget, but still meets IRR benchmark.
Tissue Turbulence Update - Merino assets sold to Encore Tissue
PPI for Packaging Materials - PPI for packaging materials rising slower than for All Industries. Expected 40% increase in primary production due to rain will drive better demand for corrugated containers.
Pulp Prices Peaking - Pulp price increases are expected to slow, with a market correction in the latter part of 2008.
MD Amcor Australasia Resigns - Greg Beatty resigns as MD Amcor Australasia after only six months, but he leaves a positive mark.
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Inside Edition 39
Feature:
Is The Paper Industry the Good Guy?
Articles:
Tissue Turbulence
Update on Gunns Pulpmill Progress
Pulp and Paper Markets vs Financial Markets
CFMEU Select its Target
Time Close for Amcor Botany Decision
Norske Skog Commissioning Environmental Upgrade
Wastepaper Exports Continue to Surge
Fire at Kinleith Mill
Japanese Papermakers Caught Short
Edition 39 Pulp & Paper Edge
February 2008
Feature: The decision by many companies to deliver annual reports, and other documents, electronically is usually based on a strategy to use less paper and thereby protect the environment. However, is this logic based more on emotions than facts, and is the paper industry making sufficient effort to broadcast its virtues? IndustryEdge looks at the arguments used to vilify the paper industry.
Articles:
The tissue industry is experiencing some turbulence as Encore Tissue buys the assets of Merino Tissue in Queensland, while the value of imported converted tissue products continue to escalate.
Progress on Gunns pulpmill is proceeding on a number of fronts, including permit completion and contract negotiations.
Paper prices are increasing generally in most developed regions, however, volatility in most financial markets has the capacity to destabilise the price increase process.
The CFMEU has maintained its campaign against imported tissue products from Indonesia, displacing locally manufactured products.
The Amcor board are expected to make an announcement soon regarding the conclusion of the feasibility study into developing a 350 ktpa corrugating material paper machine at Botany, Sydney.
Norske Skog officially opens the upgraded effluent treatment plant at the Boyer newsprint mill, Tasmania.
Wastepaper exports are continuing to surge, with a 22% increase in 2007 against the previous year. China remains the major market for wastepaper exports.
A fire at the CHH Kinleith mil has made little impact on production other than to to the recycled wastepaper processing area.
Japanese paper makers have admitted some of the paper sold as having recycled content did not match the proportion being claimed. The major companies are undertaking a review.
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Inside Edition 38
Feature
The Korean Pulp & Paper Industry
Articles:
Pulp Prices End Year on Same Trend
Election Mandate for Gunns Pulpmill
Changes at Amcor Australasia Organisation
Paper Prices Increases in the New Year?
Packaging Producer Price Index
FSC Working to Protect its Image
Envelope Imports
Edition 38 Pulp & Paper Edge
December 2007
Feature: Korea has been the most successful of the Asian suppliers, lifting shipments to Australia from just 19.6 kt in 1995 to 111.4 kt in 2007, with the overwhelming majority (98.5%) of these imports being coated woodfrees. Whilst this is a significant development in the Australian market it is simply a local manifestation of a competitive battle raging between Chinese and Korean producers for global share in a sector that is now very substantially oversupplied. In this month’s feature Brian Stafford examines the Korean industry, its structure and trade history and looks at why coated woodfree paper prices are likely to remain low for the foreseeable future.
Articles:
Pulp prices have continued to rise during 2007, but currency movements are impacting prices in different ways in different regions.
The election is over and the Gunns pulpmill development proposal did not become an issue for the vast majority of electors.
Amcor has continued with restructuring the Australian businesses, while rumours abound regarding possible mergers or takeovers, but at this stage they are only rumours.
Paper prices should be rising, but a few agents and merchants are putting market share before profits.
The packaging producer price index has slipped again after the unexplained jump in the MQ'07. However, compared with international PPI for corrugated containers, Australia remains in the lower to middle range.
The Forestry Stewardship Council is to get tough on wayward companies that are considered to abuse the FSC certification accreditation.
Envelope imports rise slightly, but the increase is more to do with a fall in local supply than a rise in domestic demand.
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Inside Edition 37
Feature:
Local Toilet Tissue Manufacturers Get Wound Up Over Perceived Unequal Standards
Articles:
Visy Improves Structure
Cut Ream Trade Slower
Dollar Easing Pain for Pulp Importers
Gunns Wood Supply Agreed
DaiEi Interested in Papyrus Potential
Kraftliner Imports Hit New Peak
Imports of Ready Made Boxes Stop Rising
Paper Price Cuts Hurting
Edition 37 Pulp & Paper Edge
November 2007
Feature: Recent statements that the labelling on Woolworth’s ‘Select’ Brand of toilet tissue, manufactured in Indonesia, did not represent the facts has local toilet tissue manufacturers concerned. The sector is happy to compete but want even and transparent standards.
Articles:
Visy has changes the senior reporting structure to improve compliance, John Murphy has taken over as the new CEO of Visy AMG.
With the AUD rising, the trade in cut reams has slowed with both imports and exports declining in SQ'07.
While international pulp prices continue to rise, Australian importers are experiencing some relief due to the strength of the AUD.
Gunns has finalised a wood supply agreement for the proposed pulpmill at Bell Bay, however, Forestry Tasmania will not be the largest supplier.
DaiEi is showing greater interest in the potential of Papyrus technology.
Kraftliner imports have hit a new peak, with most shipments coming from across the Tasman. CHH appears to be supplying an increasing share of the Australian market.
The increase in the volume of converted boxes, creates and cartons being imported has slowed but shipments from China now account for more than 50% of the import market.
Total imports of printing and communication papers hit a new peak in SQ'07, but prices have fallen to a seventeen-year low, which is compounded when inflation is accounted for.
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Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2007
October 2007
The Australian and New Zealand Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2007 is an in-depth strategic analysis of the pulp and paper sector, establishing the industry’s strengths and weaknesses and identifying threats and opportunities. Demand drivers are examined for all sectors, including advertising expenditure, economic activity and changing trends in consumption. Comprehensive data is presented on local production, imported supplies and export shipments by grade, country and price for both Australia and New Zealand.
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Inside Edition 36
Feature:
Amcor Petrie Lifting Performance
Articles:
Paper Distribution Hurting
Gunns Pulpmill Not Out of the Woods
CPI and RED Paper End Speculation
Visy and ACCC Seek Legal Approval
Pulp Price Trends Still Strong
NAID-Australasia
APP Promoting Best Practice
Edition 36 Pulp & Paper Edge
October 2007
Feature: The Amcor Petrie Cartonboard mill has upgraded many operations over the last eighteen months,especially in the finishing area, plus the construction of a MRF to generate a better collection of recovered paper and paperboard. IndustryEdge spoke with Geoff Goble, GM Petrie about the improvements to processes and products.
Articles:
Two distribution companies have become casualties of low prices and insufficient margins.
Gunns pulpmill proposal has received conditional federal government approval and support.
CPI and RED come together after many years of speculation.
Visy and ACCC are seeking legal approval of agreement reached regarding the ACCC investigation into cartel behaviour.
Pulp prices remain strong, but a change may be on the way.
NAID Australasia is launched and starts dialogue with Federal government.
APP promotes best forestry and production practices at functions in Sydney and Melbourne.
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Inside Edition 35
Feature:
When is Enough Industry Representation Enough
Articles:
Pulpmill process has migrated north
PaperlinX results 2006-07
Amcor results 2006-07
Woolworths selected for tissue storm
APP present credentials in Australia
ABC Tissue ramping up production
Stora Enso devalues AUD2.08 bn
Pulp producers still have control
Edition 35 Pulp & Paper Edge
September 2007
Feature: Representative organisations for the pulp, paper, printing and related industries have become numerous, confusing and are often not cost effective. In attempting to take a positive view to addressing the growing number of sector and affiliated groups, IndustryEdge analyses the issues and discusses the need for better-focussed and cooperative industry representation.
Articles:
The approval process for the Gunns pulpmill application has taken a political turn to Canberra.
PaperlinX results for 2006-07 come in as expected. Amcor results for 2006-07 but no mention of Botany.
Woolworths concerned about APP supply of Select brand tissue products. APP presented credentials about environmental standards in Australia.
ABC Tissue producing market tissue.
Stora Enso restructures to meet market. Pulp prices still rising.
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Inside Edition 34
Cut Ream Exports Surge
PPI for Corrugated Containers
Gunns Proposed Pulpmill Progress
Pulp Prices Impacted by Timber Supplies
P&C Imports Remain Strong
Cartonboard Prices Feeling the Pain
Record Woodchip Exports
SCA - Box Hill Shut
Edition 34 Pulp & Paper Edge
August 2007
Feature: At the end of the 20th century the business model was to integrate pulpmills with paper machines. However, now the preference is to keep the pulpmill close to the forests and the paper machines close to the markets. Veteran pulp and paper industry analysts Brian Stafford, provides his analysis on what he considers would be the preferred model for the proposed Gunns pulpmill in Tasmania.
Cut reams exports up despite the increase in the value of the AUD.
Producer Price Index for Corrugated Containers jump 7% in 1Q'07, but fall back in JQ'07.
Gunns proposed pulpmill approval processes progresses with Federal Court judgement and fact finding tour.
Pulp prices remain strong and likely to rise further.
Prininting and Communication imports held up in 2006-07.
Cartonboard prices fall further in 2006-07.
Woodchip exports volumes reach new high, but the price in real terms continues to slide.
SCA shuts Box Hill PM4 for maintenance.
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Inside Edition 33
Botany Progress
Less Fog Around Mill Proposal
When Will the Pulp Price Rises End?
Tissue Issues
NZ Driving Up Kraftliner Imports
Coated Cartonboard Holding Firm
Thermal Imports by Country
Edition 33 Pulp & Paper Edge
July 2007
Feature: Planet Ark wants to work strategically with large corporations, especially in the retail sector, to ensure the catalogues, as well as other paper and paperboard, they use are derived from sustainably managed forests, and the paper making processes also have the best environmental standards. IndustryEdge spoke with Jon Dee (pictured), the founder of Planet Ark, about what strategy’s he will pursue to support pulp and paper industries.
Amcor remains on track for Board submission for the Botany recycled paper machine project. Gunns pulpmill reports by SWECO PIC now available, but the Federal Court case remains a concern. Hardwood pulp prices rising again due to some slowing in supply, but softwood prices are expected to cool in 3Q. There are tissue issues brewing, acquistions, startups and the selling of imported brands threatening local mills. Kraftliner imports are up, and most shipments are from New Zealand. Coated cartonboard shipments remain steady, but the challenge is prices are falling in real terms. Thermal imports are warming up, but, like other grades, the average prices are heading south.
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Inside Edition 32
Changing Mindset
Forest & Wood Strategic Review 2007
What Impact The Value of the Dollar?
Newsprint Price Weakens
Closure of Pulp Mill at SCA Kawerau Manufacturing Operations
Water Cuts
Amcor to Launch VinPorter
No Relief for Pulp Buyers
Waste Not Wastepaper
Wood Chip Exports
Edition 32 Pulp & Paper Edge
June 2007
Feature: In 2006, Australia exported almost a million tonnes of wastepaper worth AUD150M. Veteran pulp and paper industry analyst, Brian Stafford, has been examining the dramatic expansion of the world market for wastepaper as a result of China’s rapid industrial development, the role Australia is playing in that market and the environmental consequences.
The pulp and paper mindset is changing with a greater focus on smaller paper machines using less energy and other inputs. The rise of the Australian dollar can be mapped against the decline in the import prices for most grades of printing and writing papers, and especially for cut ream imports. The newsprint contract price is down by 7% for 2006-07. SCA finally closes the Kawerau pulpmill at its manufacturing operations. Water restrictions is starting to be of concern to paper manufacturers, both in urban and regional areas of Australia and New Zealand. Amcor is launching a new wine carton for six bottles with advantages for displays and sales. Pulp prices continue to rise because or continued limited supply, especially for hardwood pulp. Wastepaper exports and limited available local supply is causing potential shortages for some mills reliant on recovered wastepaper grades. Woodchip exports are rising for the third consecutive year, but supply is set to outstrip demand.
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Forest & Wood Strategic Review 2007
May 2007
The Forest & Wood Strategic Review 2007 presents a comprehensive assessment of resource future availability for both the softwood and hardwood sectors on a regional basis. It examines the primary markets of sawnwood and pulpwood in detail, followed by similar analyses of the veneer, panel and pulp and paper sectors. The Review is thus a convenient and valuable compendium of data on the industry. A major risks analysis is provided and other industry issues are also analysed in the context of the local market and their impact on international competitiveness.
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Inside Edition 31
Strong Rises for Soft Prices
Cut Reams Export Prices Against the Trend
Books and Publishers
Amcor Taking Tough Decisions
APRIL Supporting Environmental Programs
Newsprint Imports
Warming to Thermal Paper
Converted Tissue Products Causing Pain
Edition 31 Pulp & Paper Edge
May 2007
FeatureTo gain a truely international perspective on the global pulp and paper industry, especially with regards to the rising costs in manufacturing and flat market prices for most paper and paperboard grades, IndustryEdge met with Hugh Martin, Managing Director Sappi Trading Hong Kong, to ask for his expert opinion regarding the current and future shape of the industry.
NBSK pulp prices continue to rise on the back of supply / demand imbalance. BHKP prices remain stable.Cut Ream export prices are rising while the dollar is also strong, export prices are not expected to remain so high. PMP's Griffin Press and McPherson's book printing business to merge. Amcor has taken tough decisions with its flexible operations in Europe, there is expectations the same focus will drive efficiencies into its Australasian fibre operations. APRIL Pulp and Paper take a stand on the environment with support for the UN program. Newsprint imports are down and New Zealand is losing market share. Thermal paper imports are up. Imports of converted tissue products are climbing sharply, especially the sanitary products.
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Inside Edition 30
Cracks in China Trade with USA
Amcor Opens Expansion at Rocklea
Tumultuous Upgrade for Visy
Kraftliner Imports Rising Sharply
Penola and Heywood Rationalisation
Gunns Pulpmill Update
NBSK Continues to Climb
Appita Conference 2007
Edition 30 Pulp & Paper Edge
April 2007
Feature: Veteran pulp and paper industry analyst, Brian Stafford, gives IndustryEdge his take on the dynamics driving the present situation in the world pulp and paper market and its implications for fibre production and processing in Australia.
The introduction of countervailing duties against Asian imports will impact on Australasian imports. Amcor opens the upgraded Rocklea box plant in Brisbane. Visy to double the size of Tumut pulp and paper mill and undertake a feasibility study to expand Smithfield facility in Sydney. Kraftliner imports have risen sharply with extra shipments coming from CHH in New Zealand. Potential to expand the proposed Penola BCTMP mill in South Australia and possibly not proceed with Heywood, but there are still many issues before financing is committed. Gunns pulpmill approval awaiting consultant to assist Tasmanian government. Pulp prices set to rise further due to shortages in fibre supply. Appita Conference 2007 to be held at the Gold Coast.
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Inside Edition 29
Rigerous, Onerous or Preposterous
Pulp Prices Defying Gravity
Has Certification any Value?
Amcor Half Year 05-06 Results
PaperlinX Half Year 05-06 Results
ABC Tissue Gearing Up
Trade Figures for Cut Reams
Rank Looks Set for SIG Wrap Up
Envelope Imports Up for Fourth Year
Edition 29 Pulp & Paper Edge
March 2007
Feature: The Yatala Yardstick - Richard Pratt, Chairman Visy Industries, had a vision twenty years ago of owning the most technologically advanced box plant in the world, with efficiencies other companies could hardly imagine. In 2007, the Visy Board Yatala plant has achieved this. However, now, two decades after Pratt’s initial dream, his new ideas and goals are going to push the bounds still further. IndustryEdge explores the benchmarks set by the Yatala facility.
Gunns has pulled out of the RPDC appoval process, but looks set to work with one better defined.
Pulp prices look set to remain strong as global market conditions support demand over supply.
The issue of certification of printing and writing papers in Australia is gaining momentum.
A review of Amcor's half year results 2005-06 in relation to fibre packaging.
A review of PaperlinX's half year results 2005-06.
ABC Tissue is close to commissioning its new A Celli tissue machine in Sydney.
Cut reams imports are stable and exports are falling, but it is not all good news for Australian Paper.
The Rank Group looks as though it will secure the acquisition of SIG in Europe making it one of the major global fibre beverage container suppliers.
Envelope imports continue to climb while the weighted average import price remains consistent.
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Inside Edition 28
Refining the Pulpmill Assessment
Hart (CHH) in Expansion Mode
Anti Dumping Action in USA
Amcor Lodges Botany EAR
Pulp Prices Peaking
Amcor - New GGM Sales and Marketing
Funding for Heywood and Penola Mills
Edition 28 Pulp & Paper Edge
February 2007
Feature: Paper Round was established in 2006, in part as a result of prior efforts of a number of organisations to reduce the quantity of office papers not being recovered or recycled. There is now a focus across the industry, from traders to printers, to support Paper Round in leading the debate, being proactive in improving recycling rates and assisting in delivering good data for policy development. Tony Duncan, Chief Executive Office Paper Round, discusses with IndustryEdge his challanges and strategies for delivering on improved recovery rates of office papers.
Approval process for the Tasmanian pulp mill is back on track with formal structure redefined.
CHH expanding in US liquid packaging market, but struggling to acquire the European packager SIG.
Anit-dumping action on coated woodfree paper imports in the USA is likely to have negative consequences for Australian and New Zealand prices.
Amcor has lodged ots Environment Assessment Report regarding the Botany mill and the proposed new wastepaper based paper machine.
Internation pulp prices start 2007 on a high note, but are likely to start falling in second and third quarters.
Amcor Australasia appoints Michael Todd as Group Geneneral Manager Sales and Marketing.
Funding arrangements for the Heywood and Penola pulpmills announced by Protavia.
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Inside Edition 27
Seasons Greetings
Swanbank
AP and Norske Chip Dilemma
PaperlinX - Europe and North America
Weaker Pulp Prices Delayed
Imports of Cartons, Boxes and Cases
Mondi UCWF 5% Rise
Internatioanal Woodchip Conference - 2007
Edition 27 Pulp & Paper Edge
December 2006
Feature: Expectations are that there will be more investment funds expended in 2007 in the Australian pulp and paper processing sector than for some time. However, the same cannot be said for New Zealand, where most mills are going through a period of consolidation after new ownership or a move of production across the Tasman. IndustryEdge reviews the potential for investment at mills in Australia and New Zealand.
Swanbank considering the feasibility of moving to Tasmania. Possible reduction of softwood chips to Norske Skog and Australian Paper. PaperlinX dont expect paper prices to rise in short term. Fall in pulp prices delayed. Imports of cartons, cases and boxes continue to increase. Mondi announced price rise for uncoated woodfree papers. International woodchip conference to be held in Melbourne in February 2007.
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Inside Edition 26
Feature: The Office Paper Chase
Market Pulp - Changing Dynamics
Gunns IIS Review under Review
Price Changes in the CWF Market?
Deal for CHH to Buy IP Beverage Division
Envelope Imports
Converted Tissue Value Up
Tracing Papers
Edition 26 Pulp & Paper Edge
November 2006
Feature: In the August 2006 Pulp & Paper Edge, IndustryEdge explored the issue of information and document destruction and the development of the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) based in the USA. To understand developments regulating information destruction in the domestic market, IndustryEdge discussed with Tim Whiteside (pictured), Asia-Pacific President, Recall, issues surrounding information destruction.
While many pundits are predicting pulp prices to fall, prices may remain strong for longer than expected. The review of the Gunns IIS submission has raised some issues through peer reviews, and some of these will require answers from Gunns, delaying the final government decision until possibly mid-2007. While announced price increases from Europe should raise prices for CWF's in Australia and New Zealand, changes to the media ownership laws are likely to make the buyers drive harder bargains. Carter Holt Harvey is undertaking due diligence on the purchase of the Pine Bluff mill in the USA, a major supplier of board for gable top packaging. Envelope imports continue to rise despite the drive for more bills and annual reports to be delivered electronically. The value of imported converted tissue products jumps in 3Q'06. Appita and Covey Consulting launch abstract service for pulp and paper journals.
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Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2006
November 2006
The Australian and New Zealand Pulp & Paper Strategic Review 2006 is an in-depth strategic analysis of the pulp and paper sector, establishing the industry’s strengths and weaknesses and identifying threats and opportunities. Demand drivers are examined for all sectors, including advertising expenditure, economic activity and changing trends in consumption. Comprehensive data is presented on local production, imported supplies and export shipments by grade, country and price for both Australia and New Zealand.
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Inside Edition 25
Feature: Is There Room for Some 'Hart' in the Australian Box Market?
Paper Prices Now Moving
New Dynamics to Woodchip Prices
Penola Pulpmill
Ready Made Boxes
Gunns Pulpmill Progress
PMP Pushes Up Value
Edition 25 Pulp & Paper Edge
October 2006
Feature: There has been speculation in the media that Carter Holt Harvey (CHH) will expand into the Australian box market under the ownership and management of Graeme Hart. CHH will not be able to expand its market share by relying on organic growth, but acquisition opportunities are severely restricted with there being only one potential target. IndustryEdge analyses the drivers and threats of CHH expanding its box business on both sides of the Tasman.
After months of speculation, coated woodfree paper list prices have moved up 6%, however, the focus will be if merchants can make them stick. Chile and South Africa are now expected to reduce exports of hardwood chips to Asia, especially Japan, resulting in market opportunities for Australian hardwood chip exporters. The approval process behind the Penola Pulpmill development may be under scrutiny. Importation of Cartons, Boxes and Cases ready made have risen sharply since 2001. Gunns pulpmill IIS submission corrected before closure for public submissions. There is speculation PMP will receive an offer from private equity. PMP is now running close to capacity and has been awared contracts by Coles, which alone accounts for 22% of the Australian catalogue industry.
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Inside Edition 24
Feature: European CWF Supplies - Here for the Long Haul
ABC Tissue Driving Competition Harder
Gap in Pulp Pricing Growing
Global Printing and Communication and Newsprint Consumption Flat
Reporting Season 2005-06 for Amcor and PaperlinX
Testing External Factors for PaperlinX
Fast Tracking Yatala
Norske Skog Structure Pruned
Edition 24 Pulp & Paper Edge
September 2006
Feature: Increased imports of CWF from Asia may be displacing shipments from Europe. The Europeans have a good reputation in both Australia and New Zealand for being reliable suppliers of quality paper. IndustryEdge discussed with Paul Teague (pictured), National Sales Manager Stora Enso Australia, the changing trend in imports of CWF and in general terms how the European manufacturers are likely to compete against shipments from Asia.
ABC Tissue building new paper machine, but runs into controversy. Pulp prices expected to peak while paper prices still flat. Gloabl printing and communication paper grades and newsprint consumption slightly lower in 2005. Annuarl reporting for Amcor and PaperlinX. Imports of cut reams not influenced significantly by exchange rate, but exports of cut reams are. Visy fast track Yatala box processing centre. Norske Skog corporate structure is streamlined.
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Inside Edition 23
Spicers Pushing for Realistic Pricing
The Stationary Energy Market in Australia
PPI Shows Significant Variance
Amcor Denies Rumour
No Panic Yet for Pulp
Final Shut for PM1 Tasman
Tumut Expansion Gaining Traction
Gunns Provides IIS Breifing
Edition 23 Pulp & Paper Edge
August 2006
Feature: Australia only manages to recover approximately 13% of office papers for reprocessing, while in the USA it is closer to 51%. Are policy makers in Australia placing too much emphasis on the supply chain, including paper merchants, to increase the recovery rate? IndustryEdge spoke with Bob Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association for Information Destruction in the USA, to assess the consequences of enforced information destruction for the recovered paper industry.
Spicers announce 4% increases for printers for UCWF, to be followed by similar rise for CWF in October. Small rise for packaging PPI against sharp increase for All Industries. Pulp prices pushing higher, even during the northern hemisphere holiday period. Tasman PM1 produces last newsprint after 50 years service. Visy Tumut kraft pulp and paper expansion timetable.
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Inside Edition 22
Feature: Changing the Face of Packaging
Price Confusion Grows
Gunns Final Pulpmill Submission
Certification Progress for APP Indonesia
Corporate Refining at Norske Skog
Thermal Imports Continue to Warm
NZ Ire Starting to Smoke
Challenges to Heywood & Penola
Trade Data
Edition 22 Pulp & Paper Edge
July 2006
Feature: Fibre packaging manufacturers and converters are experiencing greater demands for change now than at any previous time. In both Australia and New Zealand, major grocery chains have strategies to replicate the supply chain cost reductions already being achieved in Europe and North America, pushing costs back onto grocery and packaging suppliers. Those unwilling or unable to invest in technology to meet the new demands of the retailers will join the dinosaurs.
Pulp prices continue to rise while paper prices remain flat. With rising energy and resource costs, paper suppliers are facing impossibly small margins.
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Inside Edition 21
Feature: Senator Eric Abetz Encourages Development in the Pulp and Paper Sector
Pulp Prices Closing in on Paper Prices
Changes for Norske Skog Australasia
PaperlinX - Strategic Restructure
Collie Project Pulped
Catalogue Evolution Continues
Newsprint Contract Prices up 7%
Cut Reams Turn for the Better
Trade Data
Edition 21 Pulp & Paper Edge
June 2006
Feature: Senator Eric Abetz, Federal Minister for Forests, Fisheries and Conservation, quickly
demonstrated his support for the pulp and paper industry in Australia by altering his schedule at short notice to open the Asia Symposium at the 2006 APPITA conference. IndustryEdge met with Senator Abetz in his office to discuss his vision for the pulp and paper industry in Australia.
Pulp prices are being driven up by capacity closures, especially in North America. The BCTMP pulpmills at Collie in WA is placed on hold, while Norske Skog restructures senior management in Ausdtralia and New Zealand. The Catalogure market continues to show strong growth.
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Inside Edition 20
Feature: Should waste strategies be dumped?
Pulp prices northward bound
AP Management update
Cut reams a drag on imports of UCWF
The tissue front
Unravelling packaging
Wrap up on Albury
Edition 20 Pulp & Paper Edge
May 2006
Feature: Apparent consumption of paper and paperboard in Australia reached 3.8 Mt in 2004-05, and at the current rate of increasing demand is expected to reach 4 Mt by 2007-08 or before. Therefore, apart from tissue, there is increasing concern about where this mountain of fibre goes after use and if the market values for the various grades are sending more to landfill than to reprocessing facilities, either domestic or offshore.
Pulp prices reach five year high with more pulp capacity being taken out in North America. Jim Henneberry, new Executive General Manager for Australian Paper. Imports of cut reams down against corresponding previous period. ABC Tissue launch new Quilton facial tissue range. Review of structure in fibre packaging sector in Australia and New Zealand. Upgrade at Norske Skog Albury nears completion.
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Inside Edition 19
Feature: Appita Asia Symposium
Behind Price Increases
Portland Pulpmill Proposal
Latest News on Albury Upgrade
ABC Tissue Taking Delivery
Rank Group Take Ownership of CHH
Positive for Publishing
Edition 19 Pulp & Paper Edge
April 2006
With many of the presentations at the recent Appita Asia Symposium, titled Pulp and Paper – The Challenges in Asia Pacific, predominately being focused on growth in capacity and demand in China, the conclusions generally show more opportunities for the industry in Australia and New Zealand than threats. The keynote address by David Walker, President, Pöyry Forest Industry (Asia Pacific), and the summary address by Brian Stafford, Principal, Brian Stafford Associates, are reviewed by IndustryEdge.
Pulp prices are rising while paper prices are struggling to move up.Portland pulpmill achieves environmental approvals but still awaits funding. Norske Skog newsprint at Albury experiences setback but should still be on schedule. ABC Tissue start taking delivery of new tissue machine in Sydney. Rank Group finalises the purchase of Carter Holt Harvey. Publishing maintaining production levels even though online advertising is growing.
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Inside Edition 18
Feature: Global Market Pulp Prognosis
DIP Between PaperlinX and Amcor
Norske Skog Upgrade
New Organisations Flourishing
PaperlinX Half-Year Results 2005-06
Amcor - Restructuring and Growth
CPI Interim Results
NZ Kyoto Pledge Sinking
Edition 18 Pulp & Paper Edge
March 2006
Brian McClay, Principal, TerraChoice Market Services Inc, is based in Canada and provides a Market Pulp Information Service. His customer base accounts for approximately 80% of world market pulp capacity. IndustryEdge asked McClay about the immerging dominance of Brazil, Russia, Indonesia and China in the market pulp sector, and how Australia and New Zealand will be impacted by these changes.
Australian Paper confirms closure of Shoalhaven De-Inked Pulp cell and will purchase DIP from Amcor Fairfield.Norske Skog upgrade of newsprint paper machine at Albury nears completion. Forming of the Australian Paper Industry Council from what was the National Paper Council and the Independent Paper Group. Working group has been set up to focus on increased wastepaper recovery. PaperlinX 1H 2005-06 results. Amcor's 1H 2005-06 results. CPI 1H 2005-06 interim results. NZ Kyoto pledge looks set to fail.
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Inside Edition 17
Feature: Martin Fothergill - GGM PaperlinX Merchanting ANZ
Paper Prices - Mixed Messages
Buyers to be in Box Seat
Hart Wants to Wrap up CHH
NBSK Pulp Prices Set to Firm
Pushing the Envelope
Tough Tissue Times
New General Manager for Maryvale
Edition 17 Pulp & Paper Edge
February 2006
Martin Fothergill, GGM PaperlinX Merchanting Australia and New Zealand, has gained a depth of xperience as a senior industry executive in Europe. After his recent appointment with esponsibilities for PaperlinX’s merchanting services in this region, IndustryEdge asked Fothergill about his views on the Australasian markets and what he sees as the key issues.
Paper price increases may gain traction with current announced price increases. Box prices are expected to remain flat, or even fall as competition increases. Hart wants to finalise the purchase of Carter Holt Harvey. Expectations are that NBSK pulp prices will rise during first half of 2006. Envelope and other stationery imports are rising, making local production more competitive. Impoprts of tissue stock and converted tissue products are rising, while retail prices remain very weak. New General Manager for Australian Paper pulp and paper mill at Maryvale has been announced.
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Inside Edition 16
Feature: Pratt Industries Maintains 10% Annual Growth
PaperlinX Global Issues
Paper Cost Structure
Excgange Rate Impact on Cut Reams
Pulp vs Woodchip Prices
Imports of Coated Mechanicals Down
A Fourth CTMP Mill Mooted
Printers Position Themselves for Growth
Edition 16 Pulp & Paper Edge
December 2005
Pratt Industries has continued its aggressive expansion in the USA with the acquisition of the Love Box company. IndustryEdge discussed the transaction and the market implications with Anthony Pratt, Chairman and CEO Pratt Industries.
PaperlinX purchases paper merchant Cascades Resources in Canada, but there is still work to be done in integrating global operations to find synergies.Cost structure of manufacturin paper reviewed. Exchange rate rises making imports of cut reams grow, however, exports are also up as a result of increased competion. Woodchip prices are remaining reasonably flat, while pulp prices are set to rise early in 2006.Imports of coated mechanicals have fallen, however this is coming off the peak in imports in 2004. Bleavched Chemo Thermo Mechanical pulpmill is proposed for Penola in South Australia. ABS data indicates there is continued investments in increasing printing capapcity.
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Inside Edition 15
Feature: Swanbank Review
Strong Focus on Expansion in Asia
Amcor - Consolidated Fibre Division
Tony Purdy Leaving Australian Paper
Pulp Price Improvements Uncertain
PaperlinX Reporting
Growth Slowing for Some CWF Grades
Recovered Paper Exports
Norske Skog Receives Approval from ACCC
Edition 15 Pulp & Paper Edge
November 2005
The proposed Swanbank Paper Mill, an AUD1.2 bn project in Southeast Queensland, continues to make progress towards the day construction can start, only at times it has appeared to be a tough challenge for the project’s proponents, however, the company has recently received recognition as a project of national significance. IndustryEdge discussed the development of the project with Joe Foster (pictured), CEO of Swanbank Paper.
Closure of paper mills in Europe is being matched by new capacity in Asia. Amcor restructures its Fibre Packaging division. Tony Purdy, General Manager, Maryvale (Australian Paper) resigns. Pulp prices starting to turn but future is still uncertain. First quarter results 05/06 for PaperlinX in line with first quarter 04/05. Imports of coated woodfrees still rising but at a slower rate. Exports of recovered paper and paperboard reach record levels. Norske Skoh given approval from the ACCC after buying out remaining 50% of Pan Asia from Abitibi Consolidated.
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Inside Edition 14
Feature: New Zealand - A Paper Based Economy
Pulpmills - Hard to Get Started
Hart to CHH
No Relief on Import Prices
Management Boost for Maryvale Project
Norske's Tower
The Kirk Factor
Edition 14 Pulp & Paper Edge
October 2005
Annual statistics have shown that New Zealand’s imports of Printing and Communication Papers have risen significantly over the last three years, however, there is no clear indication where the almost doubling of shipments has gone. IndustryEdge explores the expected drivers stimulating the market.
Pulpmill proposals in Victoria and Western Australia have difficulty in substantiating business cases. Hart taking control of Carter Holt Harvey but not there yet. The trend for imports of printing and communication grades continues to be volume up and prices down, creating greater competition for PaperlinX. PaperlinX has hired Chuck Honaker as a specialist to oversee the pulping operations upgrade of the Maryvale mill. Norske Skog board has approved AUD5.9M to upgrade the bleaching tower at the Boyer newsprint mill. David Kirk departs PMP to be Chief Executive Officer at Fairfax.
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Inside Edition 13
Feature: Domestic Tissue Market has Strength but no Softness
Australian Paper Grasps the Nettle
CHH to have Hart Surgery
The Reporting Season
Norske Skog Grows in Asia
Visy Expands in Queensland
Can Paper and Pulp Prices Rise?
Edition 13 Pulp & Paper Edge
September 2005
The tissue market in Australasia is very competitive, as global sourcing, higher levels of imports
and changes in the customer and consumer requirements place increasing pressure on branded
marketers and manufacturers in the region. IndustryEdge discussed with Don Matthews (pictured), President, SCA Hygiene Australasia, the market dynamics for tissue products in Australasia, and what changes he expects to see in the short to medium-term.
PaperlinX announced an investment of AUD203M for the upgrading of the Maryvale pulp and paper mill. Auckland based Rank Investment Group has purchased International Paper's 50.5% share of Carter Holt Harvey. Full financial year reporting for Amcor, PaperlinX and CPI Group.. Norske Skog purchases Abitibi Consolidated 50% stake in Pan Asia to take full ownership. Visy expands in Queensland with the construction of a AUD60M box plant at Yatala.Paper prices are forecast to remain flat during 2005/06, while there is some hope rising pulp prices may push paper prices up.
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Inside Edition 12
Feature: Pushing Private Labels
Visy Proposes Second Stage at Tumut
Waste Not Want Not
Improving Delivery
Imports of P & C Grades Break 1 million tonnes. Anti Dumping Action - Success or Failure?
Tissue Balance of Trade Deficit Grows
Pulp Prices May Turn
Woodchip Sales Pruned
Management Changes at Amcor and PaperlinX
Norske Skog Makes Adjustments
Edition 12 Pulp & Paper Edge
August 2005
In Australia, the two major supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths, manage 74% of the
grocery trade. The strategy by both companies to increase private label merchandising (in-store
brands) will have an impact on the turnover of local established brands and, as such, the upstream processing and packaging of these products. There are strong opposing opinions about
the extent the impending changes will have on packaging and the ability of the stores to make
private labels less generic.
Visy Pulp and Paper briefs NSW government regarding building 300 ktpa paper machine at Tumut. Lower pulp prices and increased recycling has meant global demand for recovered paper has fallen behind supply. Improved delivery of catalogues. Imports of printing and communication grades push through AUD1 million mark. Resolution on anti-dumping action by Amcor regarding cartonboard from Korea. Imports of tissue continue to grow. Pulp prices low but expected to turn for the positive. Concern over exports of woodchips from oldgrowth forests. Management changes by PaperlinX and Amcor. Norske Skog closes capacity in Europe but expands in Asia.
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Inside Edition 11
Feature: Catalogues - Learn to Love Them
IP Plans to Exit CHH
New MD for Amcor Australasia
APRIL Group Building UCWF Capacity
Collusion May Not Be in the Box Yet
Alexander Moir Ceases Trading
Half Cocked About Gunns
Neil Fisher to Head A3P
Resolution to Finnish Strike
CPI - Carrying Paper Price Increases
Pulp Prices Mixed
Edition 11 Pulp & Paper Edge
July 2005
It is said that Australians are the greatest consumers of magazines in the world and it looks like we may be up there in relation to our consumption of catalogues as well. In Australia over 7.0 bn unaddressed B2C catalogues were delivered in 2004. With a population of 20M the suggestion is that 6.7 catalogues per week are delivered for every man, woman and child in the country. Industry information out of the UK indicates 12 bn items were dropped on a population of 60M, which suggests a catalogues per person per week fi gure of just 0.4. Brian Stafford (pictured) looks at the catalogue market in Australia.
IP announces it plans to sell its 50.5% stake in Carter Holt Harvey. Louis Lachal appointed as new MD of Amcor Australasia. APRIL annouces a further 450ktpa increase in capacity of UCWF in Indonesia. Delay in confirming collusion aligations. Alexander Moir stops trading and sells contacts to Focus Paper. Mitsubishi to place more focus on importing plantation timber woodchips. A3P appoints Neil Fisher as new CEO. Finnish strike in pulp and paper mills appears to be at an end. CPI challenged by paper price adjustments. Slide in pulp prices slowing, may be turn for the better.
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Inside Edition 10
Feature: Producer Responsible Organisation for Paper Supply Chain
Impact of the Finnish Strike
Changes at Visy
Gunns Release Revised Project Scope
Newsprint Contract Price
Private Equity Changes Nappies
Maryvale PM1 Upgrade Scheduled for July
New EGM Merchanting at PaperlinX
Trade in Kraftliner Strong
Update on IPG/NPC Amalgamation
BHKP Stalling, NBSK Weaker
Edition 10 Pulp & Paper Edge
June 2005
While the onus is on companies in the paper supply chain to develop and impliment strategies to keep office wastepapers out of landfi lls as part of their Extended Producer Responsibilities, there are no commercial incentives for the collection and sorting of most offi ce wastepapers. Without a Producer Responsible Organisation taking the initiative to reduce this waste stream going to landfi ll, potential state government legislation could lead to market failure.
Rebiew of impact of Finnish Strike. Changes in management at Visy. Gunns increase footprint of pulpmill site. Small rise in newsprint contract prices. Australian Pacific Paper Products changes ownership. Maryvale PM1 scheduled for upgrade in July. Roger Breen appointed as Executive General Manager Merchanting at PaperlinX. Imports in kraftliner rise while exports are slioghtly weaker. Amalgamation of Independent Paper Group and Naytional Paper Council is considered. Pulp prices weak but trend may change.
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Inside Edition 09
Feature: Domestic Fibre for Pulp in the Balance
PaperlinX in Forecasting Pain
Amcor Announces New CEO
Two Projects at Tasman
Focus Paper Heading North
Corrugated Container Producer Prices Up
Pulp Prices Sqeezing Together
New Managing Director for Merino
Thermal Paper Imports Warming Up
Edition 9 Pulp & Paper Edge
May 2005
Based on the Commonwealth policy to have 3 Mha of plantations by 2020, it would appear
there is no point of concern about the future supply for pulp manufacturers in Australia,
however, this may not be the case. IndustryEdge spoke with Senator the Honourable Ian
Macdonald, Federal Minster for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, about Federal Policy
on long-term fi bre supply for pulp manufacturers .
PaperlinX announce a 20% forecast downgrade, but shareholders take revenge. Ken MacKenzie appointed at Amcor CEO. Carter Holt Harvey announce two new projects at Tasman. Focus Paper to open Sydney office. Producer prices for corrugated containers rise. Smaller differential in pulp prices. Craig Mills appointed as new MD at Merino Tissue. Thermal paper imports rising.
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Inside Edition 08
Feature: Red Paper Group
Cartonboard Dumping
Paper Industry Council
Visy Stands Down Key Executive
Collie and Tasmanian Pulpmills
Progress at Maryvale
Pulp Prices Converging
Changing Model for Japanese Paper and Board
Daltons and Spicers Management Changes
Internet Advertising
Edition 8 Pulp & Paper Edge
April 2005
IndustryEdge discussed with Tony Dragicevich, Managing Director Red Paper
Group (previously Detagna trading as Edwards Dunlop Group), the local market
for printing and writing papers and what changes Red Paper Group is considering
with a recently appointed experience line of senior managers.
Amcor brings about Cartonboard dumping action for imports from Korea. Joining of Independent Paper Group and National Paper Council a step closer. Update on Collie and Tasmanian pulpmill proposals. PaperlinX Board lays down four caveats before commiting to pulp and paper mill upgrades at Maryvale. Pulp prices converging as NBSK falls and BHKP rising. No growth in Japanese domestic pulp and paper market, but new emphasis is on China. Changes in senior management team at Daltons and Spicers. Internet advertising increasing but not all bad news for paper industry.
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Inside Edition 07
Feature: Visy - A Passion for Low Cost Growth
Maryvale Caveats
Gunns Pointing at Bell Bay
KCA Millicent and Tantanoola Mills
Price Prospects for Pulp and Paper Strengthening
Market for Cut Reams
Amcor Sells West End Fibre Packaging Site
Edition 7 Pulp & Paper Edge
March 2005
The spotlight has been on the Australasian corrugated packaging industry in recent months after
Amcor revealed it may have been involved in anti-competitive practices. However Visy’s CEO
Harry Debney says the industry is highly competitive with pricing under constant pressure. Visy’s
long-term strategy has been to take costs out of manufacturing and to invest in new capacity
ahead of demand in order to grow market share. IndustryEdge asked Visy Industries’ CEO, Harry
Debney about Visy’s passion for low cost growth.
PaperlinX Board seeks major change at Maryvale through four caveats before investment is approved. Gunns decide on Bell Bay for site of Pulpmill. Gas supplies to KCA at Millicent and Tantanoola is restricted and impacts production. Average rise in imports of cut reams close to GDP, however, prices remain weak. Amcor sells its West End packaging converting operations in Brisbane.
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Inside Edition 06
Feature: Forward Looking CPI
Prices Stronger in 2005
Colluding Collusion
Heywood Pulpmill
AFP Management Structure
Update on Cartonboard Dumping Investigation
Albury Newsprint Upgrade
Papermill in Queensland goes Bananas
SCA Expansion under Review
CHH in Final Stages of Wadepack Acquisition
Kraftliner Exports
Edition 6 Pulp & Paper Edge
February 2005
The CPI Group has worked itself through some major restructuring during the past 24
months, however, with the level of debt being signifi cantly reduced, IndustryEdge met with
Bernard Cassell, Managing Director, to ask if the tough times still lay ahead or if they are
now behind them.
Indications are pulp prices are set to rise in 2005, especially BHKP. Producer Price Index for corrugating materials do not point to conclusive collusion in packaging sector.Heywood proposal for a BCTMP pulpmill. Change of structure and senior management at Australian Fibre Packaging. Customs undertakes investigation to cartonbaord dumping. Albury newsprint papermachine upgrade underway. Possible banana papermill for Queensland. Carter holt Harvey finalises purchase of Wadepack. Kraftliner exports down after peaking in JQ'04.
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Inside Edition 05
Feature: Tasmanian Government Pulpmill Approval Process
Amcor Executives PackingCHH Wades into Independent
CWF Imports by Grade
Pulp Prices Strengtheing
PMP to Cut Sheet-Fed Business
APP's Proposed New Machine
Edition 5 Pulp & Paper Edge
December 2004
Feature:Paul Lennon MHA, The Premier of Tasmania, has re-drawn stricter guidelines for the development of a pulpmill in Tasmania. The process, while increasing the likelihood for success of the project, also ensures the errors of past attempts are not repeated. IndustryEdge asked the Premier what has changed this time, how the process will be more open for community
consultation and how the rigorous guidelines will assist proponents.
Chief Executives resign from Amcor, with further structural changes expected. Carter Holt Harvey to purchase Wadepack. Uncoated Woodfree sheets <150 gsm driving imports. Pulp prices strengthening after low point. PMP sells cut sheet operations. Asia Pulp & Paper to start production at Hainan Island with new 500 ktpa papermachine announced for Dagang.
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Inside Edition 04
Feature: Structural Changes in the Pulp and Paper Industry
Woodfree Imports - Volumes Up Values Down
Progress of Tasmanian Pulpmill
SCA Distribution Changes
PIAA and Swanbank Study
Amcor Safety
Carter Holt Harvey 3rd Quater Results
Merino Study
Visy VP4 Upgrade
Edition 4 Pulp & Paper Edge
November 2004
Paper and paperboard manufacturing in Australasia is a substantial and vital industry, however, for some sectors local production is becoming uncompetitive in an open market. While the value of the AUD has resulted in cheaper imports, there is a need for local producers in some sectors to become world competitive if they are to maintain local market share.
Imports of Uncoated Woodfrees (UCWF) jumped in SQ'04 by 14%. Proposal for Tasmanian Pulpmill progresses to be a Project of State Significance. SCA restructure as part of global strategy, also opens Somerton distribution centre. Pulp prices turning out of trough with future price rises looking more certain. Printing Industries Association Australia and Swanbank undertake study of paper mervchants. Amcor makes safety changes at Fairfield mill. CHH 3Qtr results. Merino tissue considering options. Visy upgrades VP4 at Coolaroo.
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Inside Edition 03
Feature: Amcor Australasia Driving Fibre Packaging Harder
Price Movements More Emphatic
Newsprint - Imports Up / Prices Down
EPR, Recycling and Security
Maryvale Management Changes
Coated Woodfree Market prices
ABB to Maintain Tasman Mill
Edition 3 Pulp & Paper Edge
October 2004
Peter Sutton, Managing Director, Amcor Australasia, is restructuring Amcor
Fibre Packaging and Paper and Paperboard to drive better returns from current
assetts. However, as discussed with IndustryEdge, investment will continue in
these core businesses as part of Amcor’s long-term committment to the fi bre
packaging sector.
Pulp prices are falling, however, a slight rise in shipments may see the trend change. Imports of newsprint are up on the back of falling prices. Extended producer responsibilty for office papers has unresolved security issues. Changes in senior management structure at Maryvale. Coated wood free imports across reels and sheets grade increase, but prices remain weak. ABB to take over the maintenace at the Tasman mill as well at Kinleith, New Zealand.
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Inside Edition 02
Feature: Kirks Initiative Puts PMP on Comback Trail
Why Australian Paper has to Spend AUD32M
Amcor Consolidation of Existing Assets
PaperlinX Results
SCA Structural Changes
Kinleith Closed for Maintenance
Paper Prices Stronger but Pulp Down
Amcor Divisional Restructuring
Free Trade Agreements
Corporate Express Follows Green Procurement
Edition 2 Pulp & Paper Edge
September 2004
David Kirk, Chief Executive Offi cer PMP, has successfully created
optimism for investors and analysts in the future for the company.
He discusses how he sees the development of the printing industry
with IndustryEdge, and the strategic direction for PMP.
Australian Paper needs to spend AUD32M to improve poor results from initial upgrade of PM! at Maryvale. Russell Jones Amcor to undertake consolidation of existing assets. PaperlinX results below market expectations. SCA takes decision to close PM2 at Box Hill. CHH closes Kinleith for maintenance. Paper prices start to struggle up, but prognosis is not secure, pulp prices falling. Amcor undertakes divisional restructuring for Fibre Packaging, Rigid Packaging, Flexible Packaging and Paper and Board.Free Trade Agreements have the potential for a negative impact on balance of papyments for pulp and paper trade.Corporate Express not satisfied with environmental standards of Asia Pulp & Paper.
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Inside Edition 01
Feature: Norske Skog Positions Itself for the Future
Tissue Price War Looming
Pulp Prices Cooling
Pricing Quandary
Cut Reams Imports Rise
AAP Australia Closing Down
Cartonboard Imports
CPI Interim results
Extended Producer Responsibilities
PMP Primed
Edition 1 Pulp & Paper Edge
August 2004
Rob Lord, Regional President of Norske Skog, discusses the
upgrade projects for the Albury and Tasman mills, and how
Norske Skog Australasia is positioning itself for changes that
are occuring in the newsprint market.
Tissue prices fall further with new capapcity coming online. Pulp prices start to move down after period of strengthening. Paper prices need to rise but the strengthening AUD and NZD will hinder rises through cheaper imports. Imports of cut reams are up, reaching a new peak. Asia Pulp & Paper close offices around the world, including Australia, but sales will continue through Paper Force Singapore. APP set to import cartonboard from China, placing downward pressure on local prices. No joy in CPI interim results. NSW appoints expert reference group to report back on extended producer responsibility. Better results for PMP under Kirk'smanagement.
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