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Discusses the options for catalog companies when sourcing paper for their catalogs. Opinion of paper industry professionals on buying paper directly from a paper mill; Differences among small, midsize and large catalogers; Factors that catalogers should consider in selecting a paper source; List of paper mills, paper brokers and printers in the U.S. INSETS: PAPER RESOURCE GUIDE;PAPER GLOSSARY;Selling paper online.

The article focuses on cost-cutting measures being made in catalog paper. Scaling back on grade quality and/or basis weights of catalog papers is one of the first places catalogers look to cut costs. A lighter basis weight is being used by plenty of marketers to lessen the quality of their paper to offset postage increase. Trends that are affecting catalog paper selection are explored. INSET: KEEPING PAPER WEIGHT LOW FOR POSTAGE BREAKS.

The article offers suggestions for catalogers on testing what paper works best for their catalogs. One is to work closely with the printer and paper supplier to discuss about the parameters of printing the catalog. Another is to make sure to test different segments of the file including prospects. The use of slightly dingier paper for mailings when colors are darker is also advisable. INSET: THE GREEN EFFECT.

The article focuses on the issue of lower-weight catalog paper. It explores the advantages, including cost reductions, environmental impact and reduction of carbon footprint. It also presents disadvantages of lower paper grades on concerns, such as the flimsy factor and the opacity question and suggests paper grades called bulking grades to solve these concerns. INSET: THE GREEN FACTOR.

The article discusses things that should and should not be done when buying paper for catalogs. Among the things to consider are comparing samples from various mills, testing paper before rolling it out and being cautious when buying from a seconds house. Things that should not be done include neglecting delivery dates, assuming the same quality of paper from supplier to supplier and allowing a printer to use paper that has been exposed at the shop for more than six months. INSET: Shop around for the right partner and paper.

The author offers tips for catalogers on how to reduce their catalog design and production expenses. She states that catalog creative is one of the most expensive elements of marketing. She recommends evaluating the catalog paper weight and notes that it has no effect on customer behavior. She also suggests for catalogers to develop one-on-one relationships with customers.

The article discusses the challenges facing print catalogers trying to purchase paper in the U.S. in 2008. Mill shutdowns continue to affect catalog paper supply. According to Miles Kimball marketing manager Ryan Hennig, the company had to change its paper stock when its text paper was discontinued in February. Ross-Simons jewelry and decor merchant tries to stay ahead of potential paper supply problems by using a dual vendor strategy.

The article focuses on the increase in prices of paper as the result of mill closure and consolidation in the industry in the U.S. It states that the price for coated freesheet paper have risen by 6%-7% since June 2006. It suggests that companies should consider the look they are trying to establish for their catalogs when buying papers. David Goldschmidt, vice president of marketing catalog division for Strategic Paper Group, mentions that further consolidation in paper mills is unavoidable. INSETS: Recycling comes around again;Mills cutting down capacity.

The article offers information on what to do during a press check. According to the author, if an owner of a catalog is disappointed with his sales tool, it is likely that the catalog will fail to impress consumers and prospects. She mentioned that the first thing to look at is the proof. The author also stated that it is important to check the paper used. She also suggested getting a mockup for further checking. INSET: Before the press check.

Discusses ways to solve catalog damages caused by manufacturing, handling and the postal system during the delivery. Views of Don Landis, vice president of postal affairs at Arandell Corp., on the decision of catalogers to change paper weight; Factors that increase the chances of damage of catalogs that are meant to pass through the AFSM 100 automated flat sorting machine; Recommendation of most experts on the type of paper to use for catalog covers.

Focuses on the impact of strikes and lockout conducted by labor unions on paper prices in 2005. Impact of a lockout implemented by the Finnish Forest Industries Federation in Finland following the failure of its talks with the Finnish Paperworkers' Union representing paper mill employees on paper prices; Effect of the continuing strike at UPM-Kymmene Group's lightweight coated paper mill in Canada on the supply for coated groundwood in North America; Approaches used by catalogers to address the price changes in paper.

The article discusses how the price increases in the value of paper will affect those in the catalogue industry. It states that effective July 1, 2011 paper mills throughout the U.S. and Canada will raise their prices to 1.50 U.S. dollars per hundredweight (cwt) but that such will take effect in the middle of August. Some believe that this is in response to the coming holidays when demand for paper rises. It is noted that rising costs and low demand will affect both paper producers and catalogue companies.

The article discusses rising paper prices as of April 2011, and the reasons behind them. It states that on April 1, most of the major producers increased their prices by 2 dollars per hundredweight (CWT). This is due to the rising costs of chemicals, fiber, fuel and transportation costs, as well as the February shutdown of NewPage's mill at Whiting, Maine. As a result, buyers have been increasing inventory, while mills have been replenishing theirs cautiously. It is expected, however, that further price hikes may be implemented before year's end. INSET: NEWPAGE'S PROSPECTS.

The article examines pricing trends in the paper industry that affect print catalog businesses. According to the author, prices for coated groundwood grade paper increased by around 20 percent in 2010 mainly because of paper mills cutting down supplies of paper during the year. Further price increases are predicted if more paper mills are shutdown within the period. For 2011, industry analysts are not expecting any price increase in paper during the early part of the year. INSET: ST. MARYS PAPER MILL GOING BACK ONLINE.

The article evaluates the Clarity, Versobook, Versotext and Versoblend paper products from Verso Paper.

The article presents an outlook on the prices of paper in 2009. John Maine, vice president of forest industry research group RISI, predicts a decline in the price of coated papers as end users cancel orders. Blake Hutchison, director of purchasing for catalog printer Arandell Corp., points out that supply is not yet in line with demand. Prices of paper will go even lower due to possible reduction of fuel surcharges, says Dan Walsh, vice president of catalog/publication papers at distributor Bradner Smith & Co.

The article reports on the increasing cost of paper. According to the article, a $3 per hundredweight (cwt) or $60 per ton price will be in effect from October 1, 2008. Bradner Smith & Co. vice president of catalog/publication papers Dan Walsh shares that, New Page Corp. has decided to close its Kimberly, Wisconsin mill which produces 500,000 tons of coated freesheet paper annually. As stated, loads of at least 44,000 lbs of paper shipped from Verso Paper to Wisconsin will incur a $0.15/cwt upcharge effective September 1, 2008.

The article presents an update in the paper industry as of August 2008. According to Chris Kendziora of Royle Printing Co., Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified papers have been introduced to the extent that most mills provide the said papers. Dan Walsh of Bradner Smith & Co. states that the Thunder Bay, Ontario-based Cascades mill, which shut down in 2006, has reopened and changed its name to Thunder Bay Fine Papers. Walsh also notes that catalogers have switched to supercalendered-plus (SCA+) paper.

The article presents an update on the prices of paper in the U.S. as of July 2008. It notes that the third quarter marks the fifth straight price increase for paper. Mill closures and increasing energy and manufacturing costs are some of the factors behind the increase. The cost increases for energy, transportation, pulp and other fiber is said to be the universal driver of the price hike. Blake Hutchison, director of purchasing for catalog printer Arandell Corp., believes that the increase in the third quarter could be the last for the year.

The article reports on the increase in the prices of paper in the U.S. According to Blake Hutchinson, director of purchasing for Arendell Corp., most coated mills announced five to seven percent price increases starting January 1, 2008. Paper price increases are said to be associated with mill closures and increasing energy and manufacturing costs. Michael Wade, vice resident of business development at Wade paper Corp., added that capacity decline also influences the price of coated paper.

The article reports on the decision of several paper companies in the U.S. to implement price increases of $3 per hundred weight price for coated freesheet paper. Companies that made such a move include NewPage, West Linn and Bowater. It cites mill closures and postal increase as the major reasons behind the paper price hikes. Dave Norman of Arandell Corp. states that prices for coated freesheet could rise 4% to 7% in the third quarter of 2007.

The article discusses the need to sign supply agreements by catalogers. With paper prices at steady or discounted levels and with mill inventories significantly down, catalogers should enter supply agreements to ensure continuous supply of paper. Dave Goldschmidt of Strategic Paper Group says that he expects mill and pipeline inventory will inch up slowly. Some 1.6 million tons of coated-paper capacity will be removed by the end of 2007 in the European market, says Michael Wade of Wade Paper Corp.

The article offers a look at the steady paper prices in the U.S. in 2006. For commonly used catalog papers, demand usually rises during the fourth quarter while supply usually declines. But as more consumer catalogers delay their mailings until later in the holiday season, the likelihood of end-of-year paper price hikes may increase. It was noted that most mills are currently running paper for specific needs and not for increasing inventory at the mill or printer levels.

The article reports on trends and development in the paper industry that concern the catalog business in 2006. Prices of paper are reported. Trends in the demand and supply of paper are noted. Factors that affected paper prices are reported.

Presents forecasts for paper prices in the U.S. for 2005. Factors that will increase the price of groundwood grades of paper in the short-term; Comment from David Goldschmidt, vice president of sales and marketing at Strategic Paper Group; Prediction that prices for coated freesheet will decline; Expectations of Joseph Tsang, vice president of creative services at Sharper Image Corp., regarding paper prices.

Reports that floor covering merchant Interface Flor has changed its paper stock and reduced its trim size to better showcase its product line in 2005. Type of paper stock used by Interface Flor for its spring 2005 calendar; Comments from Dan Malone, the catalog's vice president of operations; Reason for reducing the catalog's trim size.

Deals with the growing number of mailers that have been seeking paper with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. Comments from Carolyn Beem, manager of environmental and government affairs at L.L. Bean; Use of FSC-certified papers by multititle mailer Norm Thompson Outfitters; Number of FSC-certified grades introduced by Domtar under the brand name EarthChoice.