Wood Fiber Supply - Enough to Match Pulp and Paper Demand?, 1998 Pulping Conference Proceedings

Demand for paper and board is predicted to continue favorably for the next dozen years through 2010. Demand will grow at a strong 4-6% annually for the industrially developing countries and a more moderate 2-3 % for developed countries.

However, the regions with the highest paper and board tonnage increments may not find a match in the required incremental fiber supply. This applies to some of the world’s major paper and board producing regions, such as China, other Pacific Rim Countries, but also to North America. Such a fiber shortage could pose a strategic challenge for North American companies.

Potential strategies to counter or remedy an apparently imminent fiber shortage include doing more of the same, but better, and expand action plans beyond the traditional framework. Remedial action could include (1) increased recovery of waste paper and utilization of recovered fiber, (2) increased planting and enhanced yields from softwood plantations, (3) decreasing wood removal rates through increased utilization of non-wood fiber, (4) technological remedies, and (5) tapping off-shore fiber supplies directly or through strategic alliances.