As expected and as is typical after Christmas, collection volumes increased on the British recovered paper market in early January. The availability of mixed paper was very good but the quality of the material varies considerably. There are also problems with moisture, as the paper is often stored out in the open and becomes very wet in rainy weather. Experts predict mills will seek price reductions due to excessive moisture for consignments in this segment.
Old corrugated containers (OCC) from the retail sector were abundant, but arisings from industrial customers were lower than usual. Insiders report that suppliers had even cancelled deliveries on occasion because they had no material. In addition, a lot of material for January had already been purchased in December, which further reduced supplies.
Owing to the weakness in the finished paper markets, European paper mills had very subdued interest in acquiring mixed paper and board (1.02) and old corrugated containers (1.05)....
