Capital spending by North American pulp and paper companies increased sharply in 2011, with most of the increased outlays focused on replacing higher-cost existing capacity, converting mills/machines to more profitable grades, energy cost reductions, enhancing quality, and environmental improvement.
Spending in 2011 increased by 46.5% and was up by more than $4 billion, compared with the 2010 spend, according to a PPI Pulp & Paper Week survey of 20 major North American pulp and paper manufacturers.
The 2011 total in the US alone was 120% higher than the 2009 total.
