February 3, 2016
Do you want to know the real open-market price of linerboard and medium? Or maybe you want to know the average sales for an independent corrugator. These questions and many more can be answered for AICC member companies who participate in confidential surveys.
Linerboard and Medium Weighted Average Purchase Prices (WAPP)
In 2011 the AICC Paperboard, Regulations, and Sheet Supply Committee recognized a need within the membership and began an independent survey that determined the monthly weighted average purchase price (WAPP) for containerboard. This survey gives a benchmark average weighted price for containerboard purchased on the open market. The only other benchmarks are prices published in the industry’s trade journals, so these provide an independent, real-world point of comparison. We believe the survey’s monthly reports are useful to members when negotiating their longer-term contracts with their containerboard suppliers.
The WAPP collects average prices for 42-pound linerboard, 26-pound medium, 100 percent recycled linerboard, and 100 percent recycled medium for open market tonnage. Data is collected confidentially by Dick Storat of Dick Storat & Associates. AICC does not receive the data. The results are available only to participating companies.
Census of the Independent Sector
The first “Profile of the Independent” was done in 1984. The survey was conducted every other year until 2002. The survey began again in 2015 as a way to better understand the changing nature of our industry and the independent’s role in it.
The census collected information from members on corporate structure and vertical integration; annual production volume; annual sales; raw material consumption; product mix; major end-use markets served; employment; and physical plant characteristics.
The 2015 census was compiled by K545 Analytics in Alexandria, Virginia. All responses were collected confidentially, and no individual company data was revealed during the compiling of the statistics or in the final report. The full results are available only to participating companies.
If you are interested in participating in either of these surveys or making the most of your membership, contact us at membership@aiccbox.org.
Virginia Humphrey is AICC’s director of membership. Should you have any questions about making the most of your membership, contact her at 703-535-1383 or vhumphrey@aiccbox.org.
