Cartons in the U.S. market in 2002 has gone through the period of low, is growing slowly recovering. However, in 2008 the carton market conditions are very complicated.

By the end of 2004 from the carton industry statistics will be able to see at a glance, the carton industry is very optimistic about the prospects for the market. According to the American Association of cardboard packaging (PPC) data show that the United States last year, folding cartons, the total shipment amounted to 9,000,000,000 U.S. dollars, an increase of 4.4 percent, while the tonnage increased by 4.3 percent.

However, the reality is not as statistics show that as good. Columbus Paperbox vice president and NPA (American Association of carton) Chairman Pete Reiber said that a large number of large enterprises from the latest information shows that the price per ton of materials rose 50 U.S. dollars. "Large enterprises are starting to price a month after the small and medium-sized enterprises in order to feel the carton."

August 2004 PPC released its annual "trends: the prospect of the industry and market data report" confirms the fears Reiber. Paperloop company affiliated agencies forecast RISI (Resource Information System) completed the report and the prospect of some of the forecasts. RISI Inc. projections in the report cardboard prices will rise: in 2005 the real price of bleached paperboard in 2002 than the average price increase of 5%; unbleached paperboard prices than the actual growth of 8% over the same period. In addition, the report also forecast growth will force the cost of the carton box processors to raise their selling prices.

Reiber said that customers want to accept the price rise is not an easy task: "Customers are ways to cut costs. For example, when we recommended to customers thickness of 24 pt.'s SBS board, said they hope the other side in this Aspects of cost savings. We tell them not to give up the SBS cardboard, cardboard because it has a good surface, printing a very good performance. Therefore, we propose that they can be used for the thickness of 22 or 20 of cardboard. We can only by reducing the thickness of cardboard to Customer cost savings. "

Nevertheless, the carton market leaders seem unwilling to give up the carton market optimistic about the prospects for the idea. PPC industry information and research director Melissa Teates, said: "We expect that 2005 was another good year of development, the growth rate of more than 5%. Cardboard packaging of its excellent performance in the pharmaceutical, retail and take-away, beverages, frozen foods, cosmetics terminals In the field of success. We expect over the next five years, the carton in the market as a whole will continue to grow; However, it may be some local decline. "

Environmental quality board to promote the growth of consumption

It is estimated that over the next few years carton market has grown very slowly. Converter `s Resource President Ben Markens said:" The market has grown very slowly.'s Expected to grow very slowly, but the actual growth of the non-existent. "

According to the Freedonia Group introduced the "Corrugated Carton &", specifically, the folded cardboard box sales are expected to increase 2.7 percent per year by 2007 a total of 7,600,000 tons. Research shows that as a result of consumer demand for environmentally friendly packaging, recycled paper board will be the market leader.

At the end of 2003, 100% RPA (100% recycled paper board League) announced Priority Media Group. The study showed that about 55% of high-quality packaging businesses aware of the positive image of environmental protection is very important. 70% of the most recognized companies in consumer demand, and the value of the recyclable paper plate signs on their product marketing is very important.

In addition to consumer demand for environmentally friendly, recycled paper for its high-strength sheet and excellent print performance attracted the attention of the consumer goods company. 100% RPA's study found that 1 / 3 of the use of 100 percent recycled paper board that users of cardboard materials in consumer preferences and shelf impact than other types of packaging materials is better.

According to the Freedonia Group study, by the end of 2007, other types of paperboard consumption will increase. Research shows that: With the beverage packaging market, the popular portable, unbleached kraft paper plate will consumption growth. The board's Bleaching kraft paper consumption will be very low growth rate, as high-performance printing and unbleached kraft paper plate on the high side compared to its cost.

Strong competitive pressures to curb growth

Market growth is also due to poor box processors are faced with the overseas production of cardboard packaging processors and the pressure of competition. "Our members think this is the greatest threat to the two", Teates said: "Plastic is a major threat. Because of the constant fluctuations in oil prices, resin contribute to seize the board in its snack foods market, but processing They are the first priority must be to develop packaging solutions, not just the design of the new design. "

Carton and the scientific innovation is the key to the future market, processors are trying to package soft innovation (such as plastic bags) to compete. Markens added: "The plastic bags are still a major problem. We used to be a good way to fight back, the cost of plastic bags with the same box, but have a high unit price. Typically, product packaging in a plastic bag in the box than to be in Expensive. In general, the same price, the plastic products in the carton than in the less volume. Therefore, the plastic price higher. "

In addition to plastic, cardboard processors also face pressure from imports. Markens went on: "The corrugated carton boxes and packaging, along with overseas toys, sporting goods, hardware products, such as import, overseas manufacturers in these important manufacturing market will also increase the level of restrictions on the growth of domestic consumption of cardboard. A small amount of The impact of expensive imported goods will lead to lower shipments continued. "

Coping strategies

Cartons processors do not have to have a direct confrontation plastic products, they can promote the board proceed with the application materials. Markens said that the plastics market last year in self-promotion and marketing spend millions of dollars, and the cardboard market in this area only spent hundreds of thousands of dollars. He also said: "We have to promote themselves better, especially for young people. We have to do more, to pay more to the design so that students understand the school's board material."

In addition, Teates said that the processors must not only consider the sales package. "They have to increase sales of industrial and commercial packaging solutions, not just packaging, good customer service and high-quality packaging is now insufficient to meet the needs of customers. Processors have to pre-empt the development of new user-friendly packaging so that consumers are shocked And to promote it. Marketing is important, especially in face-to-face opportunities, such as the trade show. "She said.

Carton of processors, the diversification of production and meet the new demand is in the packaging printing to stay competitive in a way. Reiber said, Columbus Paperbox to comply with the principles involved in the production of corrugated cardboard, and corrugated box business alliance in order to get additional revenue.

Reiber said that to achieve a better future in another way is to pay close attention to the U.S. free trade policies and elections and to change their ways of thinking. "At present, only the policy of free trade on the one hand, in the role, it is not against the U.S. manufacturers. I think some of the free trade policy needs to change, but the successful lobbying to have to spend a lot of money and time. Visual and textile industry And footwear industry similar to those from the government should acquire relevant industry experience. "

Innovation is the key to achieve a better future

In addition to coated paperboard and optimize the manufacturing process innovation, the paper box industry are new markets to seek new profit point. Markens said that the R & D departments are working hard to find unique and innovative ways to facilitate the additional performance to customers, and the development of medical equipment carton packaging innovations, such as alternative plastics used in the hose.

And, with the RFID industry in packaging printing applications, carton industry is looking for an application of this technology. Teates said: "RFID and security in the next few years will continue to play an important role. We can see that cardboard toward the direction of development as follows: RFID chips embedded in the cardboard, or part of the chip can be printed on cardboard."