(Weymouth, MA) February 22, 2005…The past five years have seen accelerated rates of consolidation in the paper market. Despite this consolidation, the notion of a paperless society has not materialized. Research shows that paper consumption continues to grow, even in the worst economic times. Nevertheless, consolidation has had its effects on market rankings. In a new research report, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures reveals how market fluctuations and consolidations have affected the cut size market over the past five years.

The document entitled Cut-Size Survey Results for 1999-2003: Five-Year Anniversary provides a consolidated look at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ cut-size surveys from 1999 through 2003. Survey questions that were addressed concern grades, production, brightness, sizes, recycled material, weights, brands, package sizes, image technology, and distribution.

“The data uncovered in these research surveys is an invaluable tool for tracking trends and changes in the paper market,” commented Merilyn Dunn, a Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. “The paper mills that participated in this survey provide invaluable insights into a market that is constantly in flux.”

The survey consists of ten questions, each with multiple parts. Key findings included:

• Bonds, writing, and xerographic accounted for over 95% of the all cut size paper reported
• 90% of the entire market is 8½” x 11”
• OEM-brand tons are decreasing while mill-brand, private label, and generic tons are increasing
• Copier paper is dominant
• Paper merchants are losing market share as the mill’s first customer

The complete report is available immediately to clients of InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ North American Communication Supplies Consulting Service. For more information on the report or to make a purchase, please contact Alison Hipp at (781) 616-2100, ext. 126 or via e-mail at alison_hipp@infotrends.com.

InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. InfoTrends/CAP Ventures provides research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends/CAP Ventures is available on the Web at www.infotrendsresearch.com.

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Allison Jones
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