Aside from the usual inclusions such as pens and bookmarks, the latest designs come with calculators and USB flash drives.

The notebooks and pads industry in China continues to grow at a steady pace despite the recent economic downturn and other problems. Nevertheless, makers are keeping prices at competitive levels to retain their market share.

Among the challenges besetting suppliers is the fluctuating cost of raw materials, especially paper and PU, which are used predominantly in production. The implementation of government policies such as the tax rebate cut and last year’s labor contract law are causes for concern as well.

Even with all these hurdles, makers are optimistic. The majority expects steady growth in the next six months. This upbeat outlook is encouraged by strong demand from both the overseas and domestic markets.

To spur interest in the line, suppliers are incorporating features that enhance product versatility. Add-ons include bookmarks, ballpoint pens, pencils and erasers.

Taking functionality a step further, several models now come with rulers, calendars, conversion tables and multiple slots for holding cards or photos. A number of makers have even launched designs with electronic accessories such as calculators and USB flash drives. Further, suppliers incorporate strap or cord closures to secure the notebooks’ leaves.

Meanwhile, in response to heightened demand for safe and environment-friendly products, companies are employing nontoxic materials and surface treatments.

As for pads, colorful and novelty shapes dominate the line. Some feature die-cut patterns and have reusable adhesive strips at the back. A magnet can also be attached to the back cover to allow the pads to adhere to metal surfaces.

In line with the trend for bundled stationery and school supplies, notepad makers are including writing instruments and other accessories in their releases.

Through these add-ons, companies are hoping to keep sales on a growth track, even with US demand continuing to weaken due to the economic slowdown.

Read more here…

Tags: add-ons, environment-friendly, fluctuating cost of raw materials, government policies, latest designs, notebook and pads industry, suppliers, tax rebates
Posted May 21, 2010 by seo_intern under Latest News

Vying against larger China counterparts in the international market, India suppliers of notebooks and pads are focusing on better-quality releases to boost competitiveness instead of engaging in a price rivalry. Under this endeavor, makers are emphasizing the use of improved materials. The type of paper employed, in fact, is 5 percent more expensive than those utilized by China manufacturers. Typically, companies in India adopt paper with densities ranging from 55 to 70gsm and 600 to 700gsm, depending on the request. Recycled paper is also gaining popularity, driven by strong demand for environment-friendly items. Some handmade versions even utilize leftover fabrics from the garment industry thereby reducing wastage. Apart from materials, suppliers are improving construction. Foolscap notebooks, for instance, have soft covers that make them lighter than other versions. Such models are suitable for students because they provide more writing space. Some companies, including Thakar Exports and Sharp-N India, make notebook covers using traditional handcrafting techniques. Among these are the mixing of materials and sheet folding. Although such steps may take longer, they help reduce harmful emissions from factories. Handmade versions cost less than those produced on machines. A number of manufacturers, however, still opt for mechanized facilities. Fortune Enterprises, for example, boasts automatic sheet feeders, and hot press, printing, creasing and embossing machines, which help the company turn out products in large volume at competitive prices. Generally, the price of notebooks and pads with plain covers ranges from $1 to $2. Hardbound versions go for $2.50 to $3, while those with fancy covers top $6. To expand their markets, most makers are participating in international trade shows.

Note: All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed.

Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates’ respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.

Tags: China notebook suppliers, emphasis on design, environment-friendly, improved materials, india notebook suppliers, notebooks, recycled paper, reduce harmful emissions from factories, reduce wastage
Posted May 21, 2010 by seo_intern under Latest News

Wood-free paper is increasingly used for pages, while prints are made with soy ink as efforts to preserve natural resources grow.

China suppliers of notebooks and pads are emphasizing the use of environment-friendly manufacturing inputs.

For pages, wood-free paper is receiving increased attention. Made of cotton, bamboo, sugarcane and reed fibers, the material helps preserve forest resources as it does not require mechanical wood pulp. The latter is a result of logs or wood chips that are mechanically ground. Moreover, wood-free paper boasts better quality and recyclability than virgin wood pulp versions.

Kraft paper, which is not easily torn, and other recycled variations of the material are also common.
Zhejiang Guangbo Group Co. Ltd, a major industry player, is among the manufacturers of notebooks and pads adopting environment-friendly paper, offering a line with more than 20 models.

The maker utilizes “green” materials costing 5 percent more than ordinary paper, passing on the additional outlay to buyers.

Similarly, Wenzhou Success Group Paper Articles Co. Ltd’s designs with kraft paper for the inner pages are quoted 20 percent higher than versions using virgin paper.

With regard to prints, Wenzhou Success has begun employing soy ink for some of its items.

Made from slightly refined soybean oil mixed with pigment, resins and wax, the material has low levels of VOCs thereby helping reduce air pollution through minimized toxic emissions.

In addition, soy ink aids in recycling paper as it can be removed faster than ordinary versions during the deinking process. The use of this material adds 5 to 10 percent to the price.

Currently, about 5 percent of Wenzhou Success’ output in the line adopts soy ink.

Tags: China notebook suppliers, environment-friendly, green designs, kraft paper, recycling paper, soy ink
Posted May 21, 2010 by seo_intern under Latest News

China (mainland) –  The SLSS model from Shenzhen Jinsalian Wood-Art Fty is a picture book made of bass- and plywood. The story is voiced over through the speaker as the pages are turned. The images are printed on paper and placed on the wooden surfaces. Nontoxic ink is used. The EN 71-certified and RoHS-compliant product measures 20×15x2cm and runs on four AAA batteries. Specifications on the design and size are accepted. A polybag and a colored box are used for packaging. Price is $3.50. The minimum order is 10,000 pieces, for delivery within 30 days. Payment terms are given on inquiry. Shenzhen Jinsalian was founded in 2001 and specializes in wooden toys and crafts. It has received ISO 9001:2000 certification. The company exports mainly to the US, the EU and Japan.

Note: All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed.

Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates’ respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.

Tags: audio narration, wooden picture book
Posted May 20, 2010 by seo_intern under New Products

Goldenstars Ornaments Fty (Mainland China) Model: BM001 MOQ: 500 pieces Delivery: 20 days Description: Bookmark; metal; zinc-alloy charms

Note: All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed. Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates’ respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.

Tags: Bookmar, metal, zinc-alloy charms
Posted May 20, 2010 by seo_intern under New Products

Cangnan Hongbo Stationery Co. Ltd (Mainland China) Model: PP Notebook with Pen MOQ: 10,000 sets Delivery: 15 days Price: $0.54 Description: Notebook; 0.5mm PP cover; 60 sheets, 70gsm, 1C printing; includes plastic pen; wire bound; 15×20cm Note: All price quotes in this report are in US dollars unless otherwise specified. FOB prices were provided by the companies interviewed only as reference prices at the time of interview and may have changed. Disclaimer: All product images are provided by the companies interviewed and are for reference purposes only. Those product images featuring products with trademarks, brand names or logos are not intended for sale. We, our affiliates, and our affiliates’ respective directors, officers, employees, representatives, agents or contractors, do not accept and will not have any responsibility or liability for product images (or any part thereof) which infringe on any intellectual property or other rights of a third party.

Tags: Notebook, plastic pen
Posted May 20, 2010 by seo_intern under New Products