Journal of Forest Economics > Vol 9 > Issue 1

Structural changes in Swedish wastepaper demand: a variable cost function approach

Robert Lundmark, Patrik Söderholm, Robert Lundmark, Robert.Lundmark@ies.luth.se
 
Suggested Citation
Patrik Söderholm and Robert Lundmark (2003), "Structural changes in Swedish wastepaper demand: a variable cost function approach", Journal of Forest Economics: Vol. 9: No. 1, pp 41-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1078/1104-6899-00022

Publication Date: 0/0/2003
© 0 2003 Robert Lundmark, Patrik Söderholm, Robert Lundmark
 
Subjects
 
Keywords
wastepaperdemandpulp and papertranslog cost functionfactor substitutionprice elasticitiesSweden
 

Share

Download article
In this article:

Abstract

The primary purpose of this paper is to analyse the short-run price responsiveness of wastepaper demand in Sweden for four different paper and board products, as well as any structural changes in demand behaviour for these products over time. The analysis is done within a variable Translog cost function model, and we employ data for individual paper and board mills over the time period 1974-1994. The results suggest that the short-run own-price sensitivity of waste paper demand is relatively high compared to those of other input factors, and it has also tended to increase over time for some of the paper products. In addition, wastepaper demand has also become more sensitive to changes in energy prices, and its use increases with increases in the price of energy. However, the relationship between wastepaper and woodpulp is more complex, and in many instances wastepaper and woodpulp are short-run complements. Overall this implies that price based recycling policies will be relatively successful in promoting wastepaper use, but they will not necessarily lead to the conservation of virgin forest resources.

DOI:10.1078/1104-6899-00022