Lyra Research's new report, North American Paper Manufacturers: Strategies for Survival—A Qualitative Analysis, takes an in-depth look at the challenging and volatile uncoated freesheet (UCFS) business (www.lyra.com). As the UCFS industry faces the mounting challenges of Web-based document-management solutions and nontraditional paper grades, leading companies have had to devise newer, more innovative tactics to thrive in this capital-intensive commodity business. Margins are razor thin, and profits are driven by volume and market prices.
This report details the market pressures on demand for UCFS and the survival strategies being deployed by the five largest North American UCFS manufacturers—Boise Cascade, Domtar, Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, and Weyerhaeuser. Together, these five companies manufacture 78 percent of the UCFS paper consumed annually in North America (see figure).

"North American paper manufacturers have been forced to rethink how they do business," says Rodger Reis, a paper industry analyst for Lyra's advisory services. "The focus is now on forging distinctive brands and attracting new customers with more aggressive and innovative marketing campaigns. Overall, the industry is moving beyond the traditional paper-merchant channel, toward new distribution opportunities, including direct, retail, and private-label selling."
Ordering the Report
North American Paper Manufacturers: Strategies for Survival—A Qualitative Analysis (93 pages, 88 charts) is a must-read for all paper converters, distributors, merchants, and office superstores. This new report is available for purchase and immediate download at www.lyra.com. Access a thorough analysis of the factors influencing demand for UCFS and the transformation of the market in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Vendors' strategies for dealing with a decline in demand comprise the bulk of the report, with a chapter devoted to each of the five major North American manufacturers.
About Lyra Research
Founded in 1991, Lyra Research is recognized worldwide as the leading provider of market, product, and technology information and analysis focused on the imaging industry. Lyra Research provides targeted information on printers and copiers, digital photography, and imaging supplies to more than 2,000 clients in more than 40 countries. Lyra's portfolio of services includes leading industry newsletters, special market reports, advisory services, conferences, Webcasts, and custom consulting.
Related Chart Data:
North American UCFS Shipments: Market Share by Mill, 2004
International Paper: 25%
Weyerhaeuser: 21%
Domtar: 13%
Boise-Cascade: 11%
Georgia-Pacific: 8%
Others: 22%
Total Shipments = 14 million short tons
Source: Lyra Research Hard Copy Supplies Advisory Service
Graphic Link: http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2005/11/30/317094/thirdpartyinkjetcartridgesurvey.jpg
(Contact Lyra for high-resolution graphic file and additional information)
Related Companies:
Boise-Cascade (BCC), Domtar (DTC), Georgia-Pacific (GP), International Paper (IP), Weyerhaeuser (WY)
Contact:
Andre Rebelo
Marketing Manager
Lyra Research, Inc.
1-617-454-2658
arebelo at lyra dot com