For the past decade, grocers have moved from paper to plastic. Shopper surveys show that the only advantage of plastic over paper, in the mind of the consumer, is the handles. Shoppers like the convenience, recyclability and reusability of paper. This has stopped the erosion of our business to plastic. And our EZ-Handler has been wildly popular with shoppers.
Grocers introduce it as a customer service item and shoppers are really appreciative.
We've never had a store back away from these bags after we've trained employees in their use. These bags may give us the potential to take back the market share paper lost to plastic. The plant specializes in high-quality graphics for corrugated containers. And our margins have improved through cost constraints and improved product mix. But probably the most explosive growth in 1997 occurred in preprinted linerboard, where our volumes nearly doubled.