Coated paper demand expands, but global challenges looming

The demand for coated paper continued to grow worldwide, with strong growth in Asia and Europe balanced by modest growth in North America. The change in the market demand and increased use of coated woodfree papers and uncoated grades affectd the paper world production. The ownership restructuring in the paper industry accelerated the capacity consolidation with mega-mergers worldwide. The capacity consolidation was also advanced by new manufacturing technologies that lead to rise in operating speeds and output. The internet threats to coated paper was another big reason for decline in coated paper demand.