Paper Outlook — Paper Trails Economy

BY MARK SMITH

Technology Editor

Paper costs can account for as much as 60 percent or more of a typical commercial printing job. For that reason, the fortunes of both industries are inextricably linked. But it is not a one-to-one relationship.

Paper pricing and availability can swing in cycles that don't mirror printing business activity, either in timing or degree. Printers are insulated from the impact of rising paper prices, at least to some extent, because the material is more or less a pass-through cost.