Economic and geopolitical disruptions are heavily impacting paper and packaging businesses and creating market volatility, according to fiber company executives who spoke at the Jefferies Global Industrials Conference on Thursday.
Cost inflation universally continues to pose a drag. OCC prices have gone up notably, presenting a “$400 million, $500 million swing in this year alone,” according to International Paper CEO Andy Silvernail. Fuel and transport costs also are significantly higher due to the war with Iran.