25 October 2018

Prismm Environmental and the BPIF recycled paper market update – October 2018

Prices for certain grades of paper have been historically high in recent months, but that looks set to change.

For high quality cardboard boxes that have met Chinese specification, it has been possible to get around £180 per tonne for this material. When compared to the average over the last five years of £97 per tonne, this shows how high the price has been.

However, other destinations haven’t been prepared to pay quite so much, and UK, European and other Asian destinations have been more in a range of £75 to £100 depending on quality and destination.

Mixed papers into UK mills, Europe and destinations such as Vietnam have been largely stable over the last couple of months.

However, the outlook for paper grades looks uncertain. With ships having sailed that will arrive before 2019, Chinese buyers are easing out of the market as they don’t want to take the risk of shipping material before they know their 2019 quota levels. Indeed, the market believes a cut of 30% on import quotas for paper is likely. 

The whole market is set to move downwards in the coming months, with it likely to be early next year before market conditions become clearer. 

October price ranges*
Cardboard  £75 to £180
Scan board  £120 to £180
Laminated board £10 to £35
Mixed and BBC  £35 to £60

* depending on quality and destination

For more detailed information, please contact Prismm Environmental www.prismm.co.uk