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Cardboard Boxes Pile Up as Inflation Dents Online Spending

  • International Paper sees ‘shift’ in consumer buying habits
  • Box demand expected to remain flat in third quarter, IP says
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Even the humble cardboard box isn’t immune to inflation.

Demand for boxes was lower than expected in the second quarter and will likely remain flat as Americans shift their spending habits, International Paper chief financial officer Tim Nicholls said Thursday. Inventory is piling up as rising costs for consumer goods prompt people to spend more money on things like travel, he said.