After reporting weak export volumes throughout 2023 as a result of the economic recession affecting important global markets, the latest food export statistics from Latin American countries are bringing relief for corrugated packaging producers in the region, sources told Fastmarkets. Interested in the latest developments and trends in the paper packaging industry? Speak to our team […]

Prices for some containerboard produced in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries moved north once again in March. Manufacturers have been pushing prices up throughout the first quarter on the back of limited supply, following logistical difficulties owing to the Red Sea shipping crisis, and improved demand ahead of and during Ramadan. Want to know […]

After two difficult years, we anticipate demand for containerboard and corrugated board in Europe will start to recover this year. However, sluggish growth in the European economy will likely continue to be sluggish and consumer spending remains uncertain in the near term. Challenges will increase as containerboard capacity grows faster than demand during the next […]

Constrained international shipments contribute to higher prices Prices for locally produced containerboard continued to rise in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in February, after our indices registered increases of approximately $20 per tonne in January. In the largest market, Saudi Arabia, many contracts are inked for the quarter, and price contributors already reported increases […]

With rising costs, food and beverages (F&B) companies are seeking more transparency to understand the nuances of packaging procurement. In this article we explore some of the factors shaping F&B sustainable and strategic packaging decisions.

In an unusual, awkward marketplace where demand was mixed, and one large producer this week even announced mill and sheet plant permanent closures, linerboard prices increased narrowly by $40/ton in North America’s open market, according to a survey of buyers and sellers by Fastmarkets’ PPI Pulp & Paper Week. Looking to stay updated on price trends […]

Upward pricing pressure for US old corrugated containers (OCC), new double-lined kraft corrugated cuttings (DLK), and mixed paper showed no signs of slowing down, maintaining yearlong pricing increases that improved US OCC’s average further above its 10-year average to $91/ton in February 2024. Want to know what’s behind your packaging price? Our cutting-edge index builder tool […]

Prices for locally produced containerboard rose in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in January. In late December, the Middle East Paper Company (MEPCO) announced a price hike of $70 per tonne, starting January 1. Several other producers in the region have also demanded increases of various magnitudes from their customers. Generally, our contacts reported […]

The pace of demand for paper packaging in the US slowed in 2023 due to end-user destocking and prices for unbleached paper dropped by $40-50 compared to 2022

An interview with Laurent Sellier, CEO of Smurfit Kappa The Americas on changing packaging consumer behaviors and the key to preparedness for 2024