PaperNews
Feb. 2010
Profits slip but optimism flickers for PAPER PRODUCERS
The Conference Board of Canada said late last year that the Canadian paper products industry is expected to lose about $1.2 billion in 2009. This is the industry’s seventh consecutive year of losses and the largest one on record, according the Conference Board’s report, Canadian Industrial Outlook – Canada’s Paper Products Industry – Autumn 2009.
 
The recession, says the report, resulted in such a shrinking demand, that paper producers were not able to cut production quickly enough, creating higher inventories and lower prices.
 
Production is expected to have fallen 14% in 2009 and slip again in 2010, marking six consecutive years of decline. The industry is not expected to return to profitability until 2011 when prices are projected to significantly improve, says the Conference Board.

Cause for optimism comes in the form of the federal government’s recently announced Green Transformation Program, says the Conference Board. The program will provide pulp and paper producers with access to a $1 billion fund for capital investments that should improve the environmental profile of the industry.
CTI Paper USA introduces Aspire Petallics colour copy paper
Intended for designers and printers who want to elevate their short-run jobs, CTI Paper USA’s Aspire Petallics colour copy paper is available in eleven metallic and pearlescent colours and is recommended for toner-based digital presses, copiers and printers. Aspire Petallics comes in 12"x 18" 80 lb. text and 12" x 18" 98 lb. cover. It’s produced using carbon neutral methods with 100% green certified electricity.
 
Neenah offers virtual swatchbooks
Neenah Paper has taken its most popular swatchbooks to virtual format on its website. The iPaper swatchbooks include Classic Crest, Classic Linen, Classic Columns, Environment, and Oxford papers for now. Look for more soon. While lacking the tactile advantages of a real paper, Neenah says the virtual option can be just the ticket for quick access to useful information such as paper colour selections, environmental properties, paper characteristics, and stocking charts. To browse Neenah’s online library, visit
www.neenahpaper.com/virtuallibrary
Joto launches new website
With features including online ordering, access to video tutorials and new-product information, Joto has launched a new website, Jotopaper.com. A support section lets users view or download instructions for every product that Joto sells.