Consumer pressure for plastic alternatives creates opportunity for graphic paper and packaging producers

24-Sep-12

Changes in consumer preferences, rising petrochemical costs and increasing government regulation have caused consumer products companies to look for alternatives to plastic-based packaging. Paper-based specialty packaging is helping to meet that demand and is creating new growth and investment opportunities for paper producers, according to the new Specialty Packaging Papers Special Market Analysis Study from RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry. "Not only is there opportunity for manufacturers who are already producing packaging paper grades, but producers of graphic papers could also benefit," said Michael Jones, Director of Packaging - Mill Intelligence at RISI. "Graphic paper manufacturers producing printing and writing grades are facing significant market headwinds as demand for those grades continues to decline. The specialty market offers them an opportunity to improve machine utilization rates and create new revenue streams," continued Jones.