Q2 Paper Forecast — Paper Losses

Orndorff isn't the only one taking issue with the belief that prices and availability have stabilized. Michael Dubowitch, president of Philadelphia-based Oak Lane Printing, claims that the availability of uncoated paper has become tighter and prices have continued to increase.

"Prices of uncoated paper have just increased by approximately 8 percent. In the direct mail market, in which we print both sheetfed and continuous web, this has presented an obstacle due to the fact that our customer base has been very resistant in accepting price increases. As the paper mills continue to merge and take machines off-line, it seems that the situation is only going to continue for the foreseeable future," states Dubowitch.