The result of a meeting held yesterday is the formation of a new industry body, the Australian Paper Industry Association.

Former head of the IPG, Tony Wood from DaiEi Paper, has been elected chairman of the board, with an equal split of paper merchants and paper manufacturer/suppliers making up the board.

Wood says while the scope of the two groups was different, the industry as a whole will benefit from the merge.

“It has been discussed for a couple of years now, that we should form one group, with promoting paper on the broader level as a major objective,” explains Wood.

“Another aim is to liaise closely with various bodies within the paper and printing industry, to look at the issues that affect all of us as a whole.”

More specific objectives of the group will discussed at a meeting to be held in Sydney on March 15, where members will be given the opportunity to have input.

The board members appointed are Bernard Cassell from CPI, Nick Harvey from Asia Paper Marketing, John Walker from Paper Agencies, Tony Dragicevich from Red Paper Group and Martin Fothergill from Paperlinx Merchants.

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