Producers' calls for higher recycled corrugated case material prices met with partial success in November amid good market conditions.
Despite intense resistance from integrated and non-integrated customers, paper suppliers had some success in implementing the announced mark-up for recycled corrugated case material prices in Germany. It was agreed to adjust prices for brown grades in by €15-20/t for deliveries as of 11,15 or 18 November. The prices of white-top testliner were unaffected by this move.
Favourable market conditions were the reason why paper factories were successful with the plans, according to corrugated board manufacturers. Paper producers still had low inventory levels, demand from the domestic corrugated industry continued to be good, while paper exports remained decent although declining. The availability of paper, however, was not limited in November, paper buyers told EUWID. Additional volumes could now once again be acquired on short notice.
While various packaging producers are preparing to halt operations for at least a week - depending on their customers and demand - over the Christmas and New Year's holiday season, it is still unclear what plans recycled containerboard manufacturers had for their businesses. Paper producers said they had not yet decided whether they would stop their machines at the turn of the year or not or how long those stoppages would last.
