After the significant price movements of recent months, the German recovered paper market calmed noticeably in August. Finished paper production remains under considerable pressure, leading to numerous machine downtimes. Demand for recovered paper is correspondingly low.
Nevertheless, recyclers and waste management companies appear unconcerned about sales. Their stocks are low, as collection volumes remain very weak and have even fallen further in some regions due to the summer holiday season, they report. In addition, deep sea exports are picking up again, serving as a relief valve, particularly in the north of Germany.
Overall, prices for the bulk grades mixed paper and board (1.02) and supermarket paper and board (1.04) fell by only €5-10 per tonne in August on average compared to July, according to almost all market participants. In the north, close to major export hubs, and in the east, prices are said to have been stable or only slightly lower. Medium and higher grades of recovered paper also mostly saw only minimal price reductions.
In July, the analysis of price reports from recovered paper suppliers and consumers still showed sharper downward movements compared to June.
Subscribers can access the full monthly report on the recovered paper market in Germany along with price change charts and graphing tools here:
