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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 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.

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.

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 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.