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Press Release: UK Paper & Board Market Development Report

Released: June 2005

After researching the UK paper & board market development and taking into account various other factors the following conclusions can be drawn from MBD's report:

Market Review 2000-2004:

The UK market for paper and board has fluctuated during the five year review period in volume terms. Growth of 1% and 7% during 2002 and 2003 respectively took sales of paper and board to a five year peak of 13.9 million tonnes during the latter year. However, MBD believe demand declined to a low of 12.5 million tonnes during 2004, totally negating growth recorded earlier in the review period.

2 In value terms the UK market for paper and board is estimated to have declined to £7.1 billion during 2004, representing a negligible decline in comparison with the previous year. Despite fluctuations in demand, MBD believe the market increased by 7% between 2000 and 2004. Pricing changes within the industry have had a significant impact upon the value development of the industry over recent years. These changes have been influenced by the highly competitive nature of the market as well as supply capacity.

Market Forecast 2005-2009:

The UK market for paper & board is relatively mature, which is reflected in the forecasted development of the market over the next five years. Between 2004 and 2009 the volume of the UK market for paper & board is forecast to increase from 12.5 million tonnes to almost 12.9 million tonnes, representing anticipated real term growth of 3%.

Note to Editors:

MBD specialises in business to business market research. The range of reports and industries in which we operate in is constantly expanding (our portfolio comprises of more that 140 titles). All our reports are written by in-house market consultants.

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