Increasing demand boosts Asian recovered paper prices

This summary of a recent increase in the price was reclaimed paper was taken from Risiinfo.com

Prices for recovered paper have climbed in China and Southeast Asia.
US old newspapers (ONP) have climbed $15/tonne, European ONP by $10/tonne and Japanese ONP by $5-10/tonne.
US old corrugated containers (OCC) have risen $20/tonne and European OCC has climbed $20-25/tonne and Japanese OCC by $15/tonne.

These value hikes have pulled up prices for mixed paper, which has climbed $10/tonne. Chinese mills are buying more mixed paper than usual and sorting out what they need. Prices for US pulp substitutes climbed by $5/tonne in late December, reflecting increasing global pulp prices.

Meanwhile the Japanese government has been pushing renewable energy policies that have resulted in the installation of more than 100,000 residential solar power systems since 2004, as well as a projection of 5 GW of solar generation capacity by 2010. Japan even plans to launch a solar satellite by 2040, which will deliver energy to the earth via low-intensity microwaves. The satellite will absorb the sun’s energy 24 hours a day, unobstructed by clouds, and generate one million kilowatts per second – equal to the output of a nuclear power plant.

Japan leads the world in solar power technology and not only produces half the total solar cells made in the world, but it also exports 30% of these cells, with expected demand for 20% increases per year.

Both of these examples highlight positive and successful implementation of new and existing technologies from the renewable sector. It is claimed that the renewable sector alone cannot meet the energy requirements of the 21st Century. But you have to wonder about that don't you?

Whilst Gordon Brown umms and arrs over the nuclear decision for the next 5 years, the renewable sector will continue to go from strength to strength. But how much quicker could this growth be though with the full support of the UK goverment?