Pira Consulting
Multi-Client Projects
Introduction to Multi-Client Projects and Special Interest Groups
 |
Pira is offering a range of strategic multi-client projects and Special Interest Groups (S.I.G.) targeted on specific hot topics in our core industry sectors of print, paper and packaging. These projects are conceptually quite different from standard ‘off-the-shelf’ market reports as sponsor companies have the opportunity to input into the surveys and, to an extent, customise the findings according to their own individual requirements. The project outputs are thereby closely tailored to the needs of the initial sponsor group. Key features of strategic multi-client and S.I.G. projects include:
|
In addition, participation in these initiatives gives our clients the opportunity to develop more detailed one-to-one research with the Pira consulting group.
The following multi-client projects are about to launch or have just started:
Future Retail Requirements from Packaging - Mainland China & Hong Kong
Retailer power is beginning to play a major role on the packaging supply chain in China fuelled both by the influx of foreign multinational operators and the emergence of many locally-owned chains. The multiple retail environment is being driven by higher living standards in the cities, rising concerns over food safety issues and the need for better packaging standards. These developments are in turn generating interest in track & trace technology, such as RFID, the ever-increasing use of POP/POS materials as a means of effective customer communication and the growth of private label goods.
What are retailers looking for in their future packaging needs? How can brand owners and other upstream suppliers react and position themselves to remain competitive and profitable in this increasingly retailer-dominated environment? Pira International recently completed a major survey of leading retailers in Europe and the US to better understand these drivers and trends, and will use a similar template to undertake this project on China. With newly-established offices in Beijing and Shanghai and experienced on-the-ground consultants with many years working in the retail and packaging industries in China, we are confident of delivering a well-researched and innovative report. More information (PDF file).
Tracking global supply and demand flows and prices of OCC
Recovery of paper and board continues to attract political and social attention in North America and Western Europe, but the growth in its use by the ‘local’ paper and board industry is slowing. Recovery will however continue and the already large export surplus of North America is likely to continue to expand. Similarly, some of the key countries within Western Europe will continue to develop and enlarge their export markets, e.g. the UK.China and other countries within Asia will have a soaring recovered fibre deficit, as local paper and board production continues to develop and expand. North American and European operations will further develop to service this market need. Imports of packaging grades are expected to grow the most – with Mixed Paper and Board being sourced alongside OCC. Looking to the future, will this current situation remain? Will the export market in Asia and China, in particular, change and if so, in what way? What will be the consequences for those involved in the supply chain servicing the demand? How will prices change if the situation starts to change?
These questions and more are the subject of this new multiclient study. Its objective is to provide an assessment of future supply and demand of OCC through an understanding of the issues and drivers that will impact the on the global containerboard industry. The prime focus of the study will be the dynamics of the OCC market in Asia (with a particular emphasis on China), North America and Europe. The study will examine a series of factors and trends that are impacting supply and demand of OCC globally. These factors and trends will be used to develop a number of scenarios that will be used to forecast the likely demand of OCC over the next 3, 5 and 10 years. Such scenarios and the assumptions on which they are based can then be interrogated in line with specific needs and requirements. More information (PDF file).
Paper Perspectives
Pira has introduced an exciting new programme of multi-client projects entitled ‘Paper Perspectives’, devised to address the key strategic and commercial issues facing the paper industry over the next few years.
This 2007 programme spans a range of end-user sectors - cut-size papers, direct mail, magazines, newsprint and containerboard, etc. - and provides in-depth analysis of how paper companies can more effectively meet the challenges of tomorrow such as environmental responsibility, the shift of production to lower-cost emerging economies, the rise of e-media and so on.
‘Paper Perspectives’ goes well beyond the genre of the standard ‘off-the-shelf’ report. These projects are highly qualitative in nature and offer an invaluable and independent aid to complement your own internal strategic planning processes. Key features include global coverage, consumer focus groups as well as B2B perspectives, scenario planning and personalised delivery.
The enclosed prospectus gives more detail on the programme overall and a short descriptor on each individual title under review. The fee for a single project is £9,950 [€14,900] (+ VAT) but we are offering substantial discounts of up to 30% if you subscribe to a package of reports. More information (PDF file).
Performance optimisation for recycled furnishes
Pira has models for relating fibre properties – length, coarseness etc - to sheet properties developed at the University of Manchester, UK. The models were validated through practical work to show links between fibre, sheet formation, strength and optical properties. The techniques are used to establish the maximum properties achievable with a given furnish. From this base, we can determine the influence of furnish variation, stock preparation, forming and additives. The outcome is the ability to predict the effects of furnish changes on product properties, to identify remedial action and to identify and rank viable techniques for process improvement. If strength can be improved by these methods, the use of costly additives can be reduced. This project will exploit academic models of fibre property-sheet property relationships and address real practical problems in recycled paper and board products. The problems are: deterioration of fibre quality, rising cost of additives, eg starch, and the performance requirements of converters and end-users. More information (PDF file).
Nanotechnology for High Performance Barrier Coatings - A Practical Approach
The aim of this project is to demonstrate the potential of nano-technology in aqueous pigmented barrier systems as a practical means of reducing raw material costs and improving performance in both packaging and industrial applications. Performance includes not only barrier properties but also the flexural strength and abrasion resistance that enable barrier coatings to survive the rigours of end-use. Nano-materials, by virtue of their high connectivity and surface-area to volume ratio, offer very high levels of activity in proportion to weight and the possibility of both increasing the diffusion path through the barrier and reinforcing the physical properties. More information ...
Renewables Packaging Materials
Pira's latest industry-wide initiative is to set up a Renewable Packaging Materials forum on a pan-European level to explore opportunities in the field of bioplastics and related issues.
The initial kick-off meeting for the sponsor group will be held on Wednesday 11th October at One Great George Street in Central London, from 9.00-13.00. The outline agenda for the meeting will cover a series of issues or platforms, mainly with a pan-European scope, as shown below:
- raw material supply issues
- regulatory/environmental trends
- waste management
- technical performance
- economic considerations
- consumer/retailer views
- current & potential future applications
- US & Japanese experiences.
Full details of the deliverables package of our Special Interest Group forum, Level 1, can be found in the attached proposal document (p. 3-5) but the highlights are outlined below:
a. 4 networking meetings a yearb. global research review on Renewable packaging materials (on-going)
c. annual subscription to Biopack News
d. access to waste management information via Resource Efficiency Knowledge Transfer Network
e. access to Renewables hotline (on-going)
The fees for joining this phase of the programme are £2,500 (+ VAT) for a 12-month period. We have received a high level of positive feedback on this new initiative and a significant number of early sign-ups from brand owners, retailers, raw material suppliers and converters.
New Print Horizons
This study is is aimed at providing participants with a better understanding of how new disruptive technologies are likely to impact upon print and packaging supply chains. More information ...
For€Sight
Recovered fibre is a major raw material for the global paper industry. Those intimately involved with the buying and selling of recovered fibre will have detailed knowledge of prices, price movement and availability. However, for others in the supply chain or for those who are looking to enter or develop their business in which recovered fibre is a key input, the availability of information and data to assist in the procurement and sales process will be an important stage to the commercial development of the business. To assist in this development process, Pira International has launched this For€Sight programme enabling companies to have a regular, clear, concise information source that will support their business objectives in the recovered paper sector. More information ...
Future Retail Requirements from Packaging - a Global Perspective to 2010
Retailer power continues to grow and increasingly influence the packaging supply chain. This survey addresses what are retailers looking for in their future packaging needs and how brand owners and other upstream suppliers can react and position themselves to remain competitive and profitable in this increasingly retailer-dominated environment. More information ...
The Role of Paper in the Office of the Future
This study will investigate and evaluate a series of factors and trends that are having a significant impact on the office world and the way in which paper is required and used. Currently, paper usage is increasing despite the role of IT but will this continue in the future? More information ...
Functional and Barrier Coating Improvements for Paper & Board - North America
The paper and board industry supplies approximately one-third of the world’s packaging requirements, competing with other materials, notably plastics. The development of various aqueous-based barrier coatings for paper and board products has enabled the development of new solutions for a changing and growing end-use market. With the market being influenced by environmental, legislative and consumer factors, where are the opportunities for the papermaker, converter and chemical supplier? Who will be the winners and losers? More information ...
Reducing the Cost of Paper Product Quality
The printing, paper and packaging sectors are highly competitive. Survival in these markets requires the maintenance of product quality without excessive cost. The development and maintenance of product quality has two requirements: better measurement of product structure relevant to end-use performance and secondly, better control of the sheet forming process- fibre flocculation versus fibre immobilisation. This project provides a means of gaining inexpensive access to new technology on a shared-cost basis. More information ...
Technology Scouting: Eyes & Ears Programme
Drawing on a unique collection of resources and experience, the service aims to support packaging innovation within our clients' businesses through technology transfer, consumer insight, market knowledge, application and ideation sessions. More information ...
Technology Demonstration: The potential for generation of CHP by the gasification of paper industy waste
Recovering energy from paper industry wastes through ‘gasification’ offers potential
for local-scale on site ‘distributed power generation’ for re-use in the mill or re-sale to the grid and generates revenue from wastes that otherwise cost money to dispose of. Further, gasification of paper sludge is classified as a renewable energy and attracts ROC’s (Renewable Obligation Certificates). Pira is seeking participants from the paper industry and recovered paper merchants to trial gasification technology supplied by BIOMASS Engineering Ltd. More information ...
For further information contact
Martin Kay
T +44 1372 802193
M +44 7713 061172
F +44 1372 802249