Understanding packaging prices

Our paper and packaging index builder helps buyers understand their packaging costs

Know if you are paying the right price using industry-standard benchmarks

Track and compare your paper and packaging prices against objective benchmarks to understand if your price falls within the industry average with our index builder tool.

Why trust Fastmarkets for paper and packaging prices?

Fastmarkets price indices have a long and respected history in the industry. They are collected and reported using a transparent methodology that has been refined over many years. Understanding how the process works gives our customers the confidence to use our prices in a number of applications, including using our price indices as escalators and de-escalators in their contracts.

View the packaging prices we cover

Let our experts guide you through the tool, answer your questions and help you find out if your packaging prices match up with market changes.

With index builder, you can:
  • Understand your key packaging cost drivers and how they evolve
  • Create custom indices for your specific packaging types
  • Drill down to the regions or mills from which you source or sell
  • Choose from a library of standard end-use models to use or modify
Quickly compare your price to custom price and cost indices
1. Your price evolution vs. published price index information

Index builder will show you how the box price should have evolved relative to changes market prices. The price index is based on the market price of materials. It also includes estimates for converting, overhead, profits and other.

2. Your price evolution vs. cost index information

Index builder will show you how your box price should have evolved relative to changes in the cost to produce it. The cost index is based on the cost to produce the materials. This includes cost drivers such as fiber, energy, labor, and chemicals.

3. Compare price indices to cost indices

Finally, index builder will compare your cost index and your price index to show how prices are evolving compared to costs.

Use our library of pre-loaded models or build your own
Leverage the Fastmarkets library of pre-loaded models configured by expert consultants. Use the model as-is or modify it to your own conditions.

Access examples for cartonboard, liquid container and paper bag

Keeping on top of paper packaging prices is no easy feat. Prices can fluctuate due to supply and demand trends, mill production costs, macroeconomic influences and many other drivers. Take a look at our model examples for:

  • Cartonboard: Tuck and tongue carton
  • Liquid container: Gable top carton
  • Paper bag: Unbleached large carrier bag with handles

Access models

How can we help you today?

Fastmarkets forest products give market participants and investors the transparency and clarity to make critical and strategic business decisions.

Market-reflective price data covering more than 2,800 commodities and 80 sub-grades with Fastmarkets forest products prices

Asset analysis and 5 – and 15-year economic outlooks

Near-term economic outlooks for the pulp, paper and wood products markets

Keep up to date with the latest pulp, paper, and wood products news, and be in the know about critical market shifts

Formerly RISI events, these are the places to discuss, debate, and learn about the latest trends and challenges in pulp, paper, packaging and more

Your partner in creating value and managing risk

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Whether you’re interested in learning how to become a customer from our sales teams or looking to get in touch with one of our reporters, we’re here for you.

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Why use a price reporting agency?

Navigate uncertainty and make business decisions with confidence using our price data, forecasts and critical intelligence.

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