Introduction

Abstract

We published the first edition of this book in 1995 and in the ensuing years change in the pulp and paper industry has continued at great speed. Pulp production, for instance, is moving from the forests of the USA and Nordic countries to South America. Similarly, new capacity in papermaking is moving east to Asia from North America and Europe. The last decade has seen much consolidation amongst both papermakers and their suppliers. In order to survive, the industry has had to rethink its strategies. Cost has become the leading topic of boardrooms throughout the world. Whether this means raw materials, energy, employee numbers or new investment, pressure on existing resources and those serving the industry becomes greater. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.