PAPER CONVERTING BLOG

Paper Converting Trends for 2018

Posted by Alan NeSmith on Dec 13, 2017 10:15:00 AM

aboutus2.jpgThe digital revolution has changed the face of paper and printed media industries forever. As a result, there has been a lot of consolidation of paper mills, printers, and paper converting facilities over the past decade. If the market isn’t strong enough to sustain them, paper converting facilities close their doors, or get bought up by larger entities. And that trend for consolidation of paper converting facilities shows no signs of slowing in the new year.

So what does the consolidation trend mean for prices and quality for businesses in need of paper converting services? You guessed it. Prices go up while quality often simultaneously suffers. As paper options and quality are reduced because of consolidation, many companies will end up settling for less effective paper stocks or sizes because they can no longer get the customized product they need.

As consolidation continues in 2018, partnering with a reputable and reliable paper converting company will be more important than ever. Quality paper converters keep their finger on the pulse of the industry and they understand what paper grades particular manufacturers produce, as well as how much is being produced, where, and by whom. Therefore, they know how much paper and paperboard to order to quickly and completely fulfill customer needs.

"Paper mill and converter consolidation will continue in the new year. Partnering with a reputable and reliable paper converting company will be more important than ever."

Despite the trend toward consolidation, customers are looking for consistent suppliers, and specialty suppliers, which are becoming more and more difficult to find. The good news for 2018 is that these suppliers do still exist.

Bucking the trend

Reputable paper converters can identify high quality. So rather than allowing trends to dictate your business and trying to fit product into one single type of paper, it’s important to partner with a converter that has a variety of different options and access to a variety of solutions and products.

At Oren International, we are a paper converter that can supply almost every paper grade, and we know where to source it and how to maintain it. This is in sharp contrast to larger paper mills, which are increasingly narrowing their product mix and causing longer lead times, or eliminating certain products altogether as paper and paperboards go out of stock.  

Oren has the technological capability to create the exact paper size and measurement needed with laser precise results. We offer

  • Slitting/rewinding 3/8” – 110” widths, 5” – 72” outside diameter, 1” – 12” core
  • Precision sheeting up to 65” x 72” including guillotine capabilities
  • Computerized roll saw, capable of salvaging wet ends and married rolls
  • As well as coating, laminating and flexograpic printing

Technology is key

Art and technology will continue to be major growth factors in the paper market for the foreseeable future, according to Technavio’s latest trend report. The paper converting industry dates back to the 19th century, and quality paper converting companies understand the important role technology has always played — and will continue to play — in the market. By also keeping an eye on the future of technology, and implementing new technologies where appropriate, paper converters can offer better and more cost-effective options to help their customers thrive.

Driving the trend with state-of-the-art printing

Through the latest machinery and video monitoring capabilities, our paper converting company offers manufacturers, big or small, custom paper solutions to help achieve their end goals.

Flexographic (or, flexo) printing is essentially a modern version of the letterpress. Because flexographic inks have a lower viscosity than other inks they result in faster drying times and therefore, speedier production and lower costs. In 2018, flexo technology will continue to be essential to the functionality and success of certain products, like tube and core paper, paper for packaging and shipping, and more.

At Oren, flexographic printing is one of the major technologies we’ve adopted to benefit customers. Through the use of this cost-effective printing technology, we not only supply the paper our customers need, but we can also add effective messaging and branding that sets businesses apart and helps them stand out in their market. These can include images, logos, promotional messages, or artwork on kraft paper, butcher paper, freezer paper, and more for a variety of industries.

We use the most advanced video inspection system on the market, to ensure the best flexography quality control. This technology uses high-resolution digital cameras for detailed monitoring of each print job in real time.

aboutus.png

Who will stand the test of time?

The paper converting companies that stick around for the long haul have built quality distributor relationships over many years. As a leader in innovative paper solutions for more than 20 years, Oren partners with distributors and companies worldwide to meet nearly any customized paper need.

Whether customers need branded paper for lining restaurant tables and trays or custom paper for packaging and shipping, we can help.

As the new year ramps up, less-established paper converters will continue to close their doors or become part of the consolidation trend. At Oren, we have a solid and established position to ensure our customers that we’ll be around for the long haul. All of our converting is handled in-house in our custom paper converting facility. Oren customers work with experienced staff who personally manage and inspect the creation of each paper product, from the straightest lines and exact measurements to flawless execution of the tiniest details.

We’re looking forward to an exciting and fulfilling 2018, and we’d love for you to join us! If you’d like to learn more about partnering with Oren to find out how we can help you create the custom paper product you need in the new year, contact us today.

Contact Us

Tags: Paper Converting, Custom Paper Ideas