Boxboard demand weakened in the second half of 2011.  Input costs

such as pulp and recycled fibers declined dramatically indicating that

the current price increase announcements for some grades of

boxboard should not succeed. 

 

Boxboard grades are expected to increase by up to 3% during 2012

from current levels in place in January 2012. 

 

It is an ideal time to request new proposals for your Folding Carton

requirements.  The carton market is fairly soft, boxboard demand is

declining and key inputs such as pulp, old corrugated containers,

boxboard cuttings, sorted office papers and natural gas have all

declined dramatically in the past two quarters. 

 

Although there is a price increase on the table for CRB, UCRB and

CCVK grades, we don't think these will succeed.  There is no such

thing as a market increase.