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Index Builder

Our paper packaging index builder helps buyers understand the evolution of their packaging costs

With index builder, you can:
  • Track and compare your paper and packaging prices against objective industry-standard benchmarks to understand if your price falls within the industry average with our index builder tool
  • Access objective data, tools and market insights from industry-specific experts to minimize supply chain risk and control costs – without relying on supplier input
  • Optimize supply chain strategy from Fastmarkets data, tools and market insights – offering third-party, independent data to compare with your supplier

View the packaging prices we cover

Why choose index builder?

Struggling to make sense of how upstream supply chain changes should fairly impact your finished packaging costs? You’re not alone. This challenge can create uncertainty, complexity and missed opportunities for cost management.

We know finished packaging buyers are challenged to translate how changes further upstream in their supply chain should be fairly applied to the cost of the finished packaging they buy.

  • Connect the dots: Accurately see how cost inflation or deflation in the upstream supply chain affects paperboard prices and should influence your packaging costs
  • Make data-driven decisions: Compare cost drivers and relative competitiveness between individual paperboard mills
  • Dive deeper into supplier insights: Understand the unique cost drivers and advantages of your supply base like never before

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Why trust Fastmarkets index builder

Fastmarkets price indices have a long and respected history in the industry. They are collected and reported using a transparent methodology that has been refined over many years. This methodology is fixed, transparent and freely available on the website.

Understanding how the process works gives our customers the confidence to use our prices in a number of applications, including using our price indices as escalators and de-escalators in their contracts.

Book a demo with our team

Let our experts guide you through the tool, answer your questions and help you find out if your packaging prices match up with market changes.

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Quickly compare your price to custom price and cost indices
1. Your price evolution vs. published price index information

Index builder will show you how the box price should have evolved relative to changes market prices.

The price index is based on the market price of materials. It also includes estimates for converting, overhead, profits and other.

2. Your price evolution vs. cost index information

Index builder will show you how your box price should have evolved relative to changes in the cost to produce it.

The cost index is based on the cost to your supplier to produce the materials. This includes the main cost drivers such as fiber, energy, labor and chemicals.

3. Compare price indices to cost indices

Finally, index builder will compare your cost index and your price index to show how prices are evolving compared to costs.

This interface produces insightful visuals, ideal for procurement managers to easily understand and explain what’s driven change in their category in internal presentations? 

Use our library of pre-loaded models or build your own
Leverage the Fastmarkets library of pre-loaded models configured by expert consultants. Use the model as-is or modify it to your own conditions.

Index builder model examples

Access examples for cartonboard, liquid container and paper bag

Keeping on top of paper packaging costs is no easy feat. Prices can fluctuate due to supply and demand trends, mill production costs, macroeconomic influences and many other drivers. Take a look at our model examples for:

  • Cartonboard: Tuck and tongue carton
  • Liquid container: Gable top carton
  • Paper bag: Unbleached large carrier bag with handles

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How can we help you today?

Fastmarkets forest products give market participants and investors the transparency and clarity to make critical and strategic business decisions.

Forest products prices

Market-reflective price data covering more than 2,800 commodities and 80 sub-grades with Fastmarkets forest products prices

Forest products long-term forecasts and asset analysis

Asset analysis and 5 – and 15-year economic outlooks

Forest products short-term forecasts

Near-term economic outlooks for the pulp, paper and wood products markets

News and market analysis

Keep up to date with the latest pulp, paper, and wood products news, and be in the know about critical market shifts

Forest products events

Formerly RISI events, these are the places to discuss, debate, and learn about the latest trends and challenges in pulp, paper, packaging and more

Consulting

Your partner in creating value and managing risk

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Talk to us

Whether you’re interested in learning how to become a customer from our sales teams or looking to get in touch with one of our reporters, we’re here for you.

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Why use a price reporting agency?

Navigate uncertainty and make business decisions with confidence using our price data, forecasts and critical intelligence.

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