Pinpointing Trends with Authority

Having spent close to 50 years in the paper industry, Bob Harris can pinpoint noteworthy trends with authority. The first and foremost, he says, is the globalization of linerboard. North America is no longer the dominant player. While right now China is satisfying its own needs, soon it will be satisfying the needs of the world, including North America.

“It has already begun,” he states. “I see Chinese linerboard on the East and West Coast. This isn’t to say that China can make every grade. But the bulk of the grades being consumed is made by China.”

He says another trend is found in linerboard and medium weights coming down, as giant retailers like Wal-Mart demand less and less packaging.

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