C I N T R A F O R
Special Paper Abstract
Global Resources and Markets: Issues and Trends Proceedings of the Second International
Symposium in Pulp & Paper.
Donald F. Root, Ed. 1991. (312 pp) SP09 $30.00
The last decade of the twentieth century will almost certainly be characterized as one of accelerating globalization. Although individual countries and regions of the globe experience change and react to it in ways that are unique, it is clear that they are becoming increasingly interdependent. Corporations are becoming more and more multinational through expansion. mergers, and acquisi-tions. Trade barriers are falling away. Public policy issues, notably those concerning environment, are having worldwide impact, democratization is changing social and political patterns in the direction of increased cooperation and accord.
The pulp and paper industry worldwide is dearly a participant and is profoundly affected by these changes. An international perspective is essential today, both in developing longer term strategy and in making shorter term business decisions. To compete successfully, industry leaders must have a clear understanding of the issues affecting trade, economics, finance, public policy, technological change, energy, and materials.
This was the context for the Second International Symposium on Pulp and Paper - "Global Resources and Market Issues and Trends." It was a three-day program consisting of six separate but interrelated sessions. The first day dealt with relatively current issues and trends as seen from the unique perspectives of individual countries or regions of the world. Specific situations related to production capacity, raw material supplies, trade balance, capital formation, environmental, and other policy issues were discussed by industry leaders and international experts from these countries and regions.
The second day began with a review of major raw material trends in the world: an update on the rapidly developing use of eucalyptus for pulp; an analysis of the growing use of recycled fiber throughout the world; and a look at the opportunities and issues leading to increased use of inorganic fillers, notably calcium carbonate, in the making of paper. A roundtable discussion of rapidly developing trading blocs in the world completed the morning session. World experts examined the potential effects on the paper industry of "EEC 1992" (Europe). the U.S.-Canada Free Trade Agreement, and other similar programs in the world. In the afternoon of the second day, public policy issues were featured. Energy supply concerns and associated environmental policies on acid rain, global warming, and public safety were presented and discussed. Another roundtable group of experts from Europe and the United States brought the session to a close with a sobering look at several environmental controversies affecting the industry, notably the issue of chlorinated organic compounds in bleach plant effluents and in bleached pulp and paper products.
The third day began with an examination of scientific and technological developments, emphasizing potential future impacts on global cooperation and competitiveness. The final session provided four different perspectives on where globalization of industry is heading. This included an examination of Eastern Europe, where remarkable and rapid changes are taking place today. Other presen-tations on globalization were given from several points of view: the industry segment that supplies goods and services to the pulp and paper industry; a company in a totally different industry with a long and successful history as a multinational corporation; and an economist, who covered a number of major economic and financial situations that exist in the world today and which can be expected to affect future developments in the pulp and paper industry.
The symposium was organized and sponsored by the Center for International Trade in Forest Products (CINTRAFOR) with assistance from the Washington Pulp and Paper Foundation, Incorporated (WPPF). CINTRAFOR is jointly supported by the University of Washington. the state of Washington, and the private forest products industry. CINTRAFOR has a mandate to undertake research and analysis of major market developments in international trade in wood and fiber products and to disseminate information through programs such as this symposium. The WPPF is an industry supported nonprofit corporation which provides undergraduate scholarships and other support to the Pulp and Paper Science and Engineering Program at the College of Forest Resources.