Business performance for the third quarter so far for lightweight kraft papers (40 g) is subdued. At the time of the survey in early September, neither paper mills nor converters are satisfied with business development in July and August, interviews conducted by EUWID reveal.
Paper producers report that demand for lightweight kraft papers from packaging and pouch producers is often subdued and restrained. This applies equally to brown and white MG kraft paper grades as well as recycled kraft papers. Speciality grades, such as fluorine-free papers or qualities for the hygiene sector, on the other hand, are reported to be in somewhat better demand. But here, too, manufacturers took a decline in orders in the summer months.
Capacity utilization of paper mills in the DACH region and throughout Europe was mediocre and clearly offered room for growth....
